Fall Prevention in the Workplace

As autumn arrives and the leaves change, focusing on fall prevention in the workplace is a timely and important topic for September.

Understanding the Risks
Falls are a significant concern across various environments. In the construction industry, for example, falls from heights are the leading cause of death. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fall protection violations consistently rank as one of the top ten most cited standards. This statistic highlights a crucial area where safety protocols must be rigorously enforced to prevent tragic accidents.

Prevention Through Planning:
A 2021 Centers for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) survey highlighted that inadequate or ineffective planning is the leading cause of falls from heights. Without proper preparation, there is often an overreliance on personal protective equipment as the sole safety measure. The survey revealed that when employers neglected to plan, workers were 71% less likely to use their fall protection equipment.

Some tips from The National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction (CPWR):

1. Host a stand-down event – If you’ve already held a fall-related stand-down, consider organizing another with a new focus. For example, if your first event addressed falls from ladders, shift your attention to falls from roofs, scaffolds, aerial lifts, moving equipment, or issues like slips and trips in your next session.
2. Use fall protection equipment – Ensure proper fall protection equipment is used, such as harnesses, helmets and guardrails.
3. Training and compliance – Regularly train workers on safe practices and ensure compliance with OSHA standards. Not all workers have the same experience and each project has its own unique risks.
4. Conduct regular inspections – Make routine inspections of equipment and work areas a part of your workplace daily practices.
5. Create a fall protection and rescue plan – Put together a taskforce or lead worker and ask them to develop a fall protection plan for a specific construction project. The CPWR has some useful fall prevention Toolbox Talks available for downloading.
6. Support on-going training – Remind supervisors and lead workers that their actions set an example for others. When they adhere to safety protocols and use fall protection correctly, their coworkers are more likely to follow suit. 

By prioritizing fall prevention and continuous training, we can protect lives and create safer environments for everyone. More general information for preventing falls, please visit National Council of Aging.