Preventing Falls in Construction

 

Falls are the number one killer in construction, in both the United States and Canada. Yet, they are readily preventable.

 

OSHA has a construction standard and a resource page devoted to fall protection in construction. Generally, the standard requires an employer to provide one of three kinds of fall protection – guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems (harnesses) – to every worker exposed to a possible fall of six feet or more. Fall protection is required on scaffolds ten feet or taller. All roofers must have warning lines.

 

The risk of falls can be lowered by implementing a fall protection plan in the company safety program. Good housekeeping also reduces chances of slips, trips and falls. The LHSFNA Occupational Safety and Health Division can conduct worksite audits to develop site-specific proposals for fall protection. The Division has collected a set of other fall protection resources.

 

The Construction Roundtable of OSHA’s Alliance Program – unions, employer associations, contractors, insurers and manufacturers – developed the following fall protection guidelines:

 

Employers

 

1. Develop a written fall protection plan.

2. Identify potential fall hazards prior to each project and during daily walk-arounds. Pay attention to hazards associated with routine and non-routine tasks.

3. Eliminate the need for fall protection where possible by rescheduling the task, isolating the task or changing the task.

4. Ensure that fall protection equipment is appropriate to the task, in good condition and used properly.

5. Conduct general fall prevention training on a regular basis.

6. Train workers on the specific fall hazards identified and on the required personal protective equipment.

7. Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and OSHA’ requirements.

8. Emphasize fall hazards unique to the site, such as open floor holes or shafts, riser penetrations and skylights.

9. Team up with other construction employers and employees to identify best practices and share fall prevention solutions.

10. Get more information from OSHA or call 800-321-OSHA.

 

Employees

 

1. Understand your company’s written fall prevention plan.

2. Attend and participate in fall prevention training.

3. Use fall protection equipment if required for the job. Be sure the equipment is right for the task, fits properly and is in good condition.

4. Inspect fall protection equipment and devices before each use.

5. Make sure that floor holes, open shafts and riser penetrations are protected by sturdy guardrails or covers.

6. Get specialized training before working on scaffolds, lifts or ladders.

7. When using scaffolds, make sure there is proper access, full planking, stable footing and stable guardrailing.

8. On a boom lift, keep your feet firmly on the platform and tie-off at all times.

9. Chose the correct ladder for the task, read the instructions and be sure that the ladder is in good condition. Check for surrounding hazards, stable footing and the proper angle.

10. Identify skylights and make sure they are properly protected.

11. Contact your supervisor if you see fall hazards or have any questions about fall prevention. Do not work until unsafe conditions have been corrected.

12. Get more information from OSHA or call 800-321-OSHA.