OSHA’s Tips to Prevent Falls on Construction Sites
According to the US Department of Labor/OSHA Fall Prevention Campaign, falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry—and all of these deaths are preventable.
OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) – Construction Sector have partnered on a 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, resulting in lives saved rather than lost.
- PLAN ahead to get the job done safely
Employers must plan projects to ensure that the job is done safely whenever employees must work from heights, such as on ladders, scaffolds, and roofs. 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. Include the costs of safety equipment when estimating the cost of any job, and have all necessary safety equipment and tools on site. - PROVIDE the right equipment
Workers six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death from falls. Employers must provide fall protection such as PFAS (Personal Fall Arrest Systems) and the proper equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear. - TRAIN everyone to use the equipment safely
Employers must train workers how to recognize hazards and in the care and safe use ladders, scaffolds, fall protection systems, and other equipment to be used on a given job.