According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) falls from a height are a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for more than a third of all deaths in the industry. So, OSHA has announced a National Safety Stand-Down from June 2 – June 6, 2014, as part of its ongoing Fall Prevention Campaign. During the Stand-Down, employers are encouraged to take time out of the workday to discuss fall prevention with workers.
Types of Construction Falls
Types of construction falls include:
- Fall from scaffold
- Fall from ladder
- Fall from roof
- Fall from second story floor or higher which is lacking barriers, such as through an unfinished window or door opening
- Falling through roof or floor opening
- Falling through weak roofing or flooring
- Falling down stairs
Causes of Construction Falls
Construction falls are often the result of:
- Inadequate training and supervision
- Improper assembly of scaffolds
- Improper setup of ladders
- Inadequate safety policies
- Inadequate safety equipment
- Defective equipment
- Equipment which is poorly maintained, worn out, or not up to current safety standards
- Messy jobsite
Safety Stand-Down Meetings
OSHA is encouraging employers to participate anytime during the Safety Stand-Down week, and to tailor the meeting to best serve their workplace. It suggests discussing your company’s fall safety policies, goals and expectations, as well as fall hazards and how to avoid them. Employers are also encouraged to create an interactive experience where workers are welcome to talk about their own experiences and make suggestions.
OSHA is asking employers who participate to provide feedback and it is offering certificates of participation.
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