FALLS ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CONSTRUCTION. In 2010, there were 264 fall fatalities (255 falls to lower level) out of 774 total fatalities in construction. These deaths are preventable.
Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps:
OSHA has partnered with the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health and National Occupational Research
Agenda (NORA) - Construction Sector on this nationwide outreach campaign
to raise awareness among workers and employers about common fall
hazards in construction, and how falls from
ladders,
scaffolds and roofs
can be prevented and lives can be saved. Here's how:
PLAN ahead to get the job done safely
When working from heights, such as ladders, scaffolds, and roofs,
employers must plan projects to ensure that the job is done safely.
Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved,
and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task.
When estimating the cost of a job, employers
should include safety equipment, and plan to have all the necessary
equipment and tools available at the construction site. For example, in
a roofing job, think about all of the different fall hazards, such as
holes or skylights and leading edges, then plan and select fall
protection suitable to that work, such as personal fall arrest systems
(PFAS).
PROVIDE the right equipment
Workers who are six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for
serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect these workers,
employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the
job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear.
Different ladders and scaffolds are appropriate
for different jobs. Always provide workers with the kind they need to
get the job done safely. For roof work, there are many ways to
prevent falls. If workers use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS),
provide a harness for each worker who needs to tie off to the anchor.
Make sure the PFAS fits, and regularly inspect all fall protection
equipment to ensure it's still in good condition and safe to use.
TRAIN everyone to use the equipment safely
Falls can be prevented when workers understand proper set-up and safe
use of equipment, so they need training on the specific equipment they
will use to complete the job.
Employers must train workers
in hazard recognition and in the care and safe use ladders, scaffolds,
fall protection systems, and other equipment they'll be using on the
job.
OSHA has provided numerous materials and resources
that employers can use during toolbox talks to train workers on safe
practices to avoid falls in construction. Falls from ladders, scaffolds
and roofs can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple
steps: Plan, Provide and Train.