WORKER FALLS
ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CONSTRUCTION. LEARN HOW TO PREVENT THEM.
FALLS ARE
THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CONSTRUCTION.
In 2013†, there were 294 fall fatalities (284 falls to lower level)
out of 796 total fatalities in construction. These deaths are preventable.
† 2013 Bureau of Labor
Statistics are preliminary
Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple
steps:
This website is part of OSHA's nationwide outreach campaign to raise
awareness among workers and employers about the hazards of falls from ladders,
scaffolds and roofs. The educational resources page gives workers and employers
information about falls and how to prevent them. There are also training tools
for employers to use and posters to display at their worksites. Many of the new
resources target vulnerable workers with limited English proficiency.
We invite you to join in this effort by helping to reach workers and
employers in your community with the resources you find on this site. OSHA will
continue to add information and tools to this page throughout the year.
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.