The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a nationwide outreach campaign to raise awareness among workers and employers about the hazards of falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs.
Falls were the leading cause of death in the construction industry in 2010; one in three construction fatalities resulted from falls. The majority of these 264 deaths could have been prevented if employers and employees had followed three important steps: planning ahead, providing the right equipment, and training everyone on the safe use of equipment.
Plan Ahead
When projects involve working from heights – ladders, scaffolds, roofs – employers must plan ahead. Key decisions, such as how to approach the job, the tasks involved and necessary safety equipment to complete each task, will help ensure that the job is done safely. Employers should always include safety equipment in their cost estimates and have all necessary equipment and tools available at the construction site.
Provide Proper Equipment
To protect employees who are working six feet or more above lower levels, employers must provide fall protection and appropriate equipment to get the job done safely, including ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear. If personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) are needed for roof work, each worker should be provided a properly fitted harness tied off to an anchor. All fall protection equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure reliability and safety.
Train Everyone on Safety
Falls can be prevented when workers understand proper set-up and safe use of equipment. All workers should be trained to properly and safely use the specific equipment required to complete each job, including ladders, scaffolds and fall protection systems. In addition workers should receive training on hazard recognition and the procedures to follow to address hazards they encounter at the site. Toolbox talks provide employers with an excellent opportunity to supplement and reinforce safety training.
Learn more about OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign. Check out the Fall Prevention Factsheet.
