Preventing Falls in Construction Preventing Falls in Construction Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Preventing Falls in Construction Falls are the number one cause of construction-worker fatalities, accounting for one-third of all on-the-job deaths in the industry. In 2022, there were 423 fatal falls out of 1,056 total fatalities in construction. Falls are a hazard found in many work settings, but construction has the most fatal falls out of all industries and represents 49% of all falls nationally. What Causes Falls in the Workplace? The risk for falls is virtually present in every single workplace; however, the factors that can lead to a fall vary greatly. There are many specific unsafe acts by employees, as well as unsafe conditions that lead to fall incidents. Falls often result from a series of contributing factors. They are often the result of multiple unsafe conditions and unsafe actions combined. Because of this fact, it is important to look at unsafe conditions as well as unsafe actions to recognize hazardous situations when working at heights. Unsafe Conditions that Lead to Falls • Unguarded leading edges. • Open holes. • Improper guardrails. • Damaged equipment (ladders, stairs, safety equipment, etc.). • Slippery conditions. • Unmarked elevation changes. Unsafe Actions that Lead to Falls • Working at heights without fall protection or fall prevention methods in place. • Improper use of ladders. • Leaning over guardrails. OSHA uses a “plan, provide, and train” model in its fall prevention campaign, which is a straightforward way to prevent falls in the workplace. Plan– Plan work tasks ahead of time. Planning work tasks is especially important for high-hazard tasks such as working at heights. First, look at eliminating any work at heights if possible. If elimination is not possible, then plan what you will need to perform the work at heights. Plan out what equipment, tools, personnel, and materials you will need. After looking at these items, look at what safety equipment, PPE, and training will be needed to complete the task safely. Provide- Provide all necessary safety equipment and PPE when the work height exceeds six feet and engineering controls such as guardrails are not in place. Outside of equipment and PPE, provide the employees with the proper amount of time it takes to set up the job as well as complete the work. Train- Properly train employees not only to know how to use the safety equipment that is provided but also in hazard recognition. It is important that the employees can recognize hazards and understand how to properly address them before starting or continuing work. Train employees to first think about how to eliminate dangerous work tasks or the hazards that accompany working at heights. Best Practices to Avoid Falls in the Workplace The best way to avoid falls is by eliminating work tasks that require working at heights in the first place. Obviously, elimination is not always possible, so the risk of falling must be mitigated through safeguards. • Engineering controls such as physical barriers and guardrails are two fall prevention systems that are effective in preventing falls from heights. • Using a proper fall arrest system such as a full-body harness, self-retracting lanyard, and approved anchor point with 100% tie-off is another way to prevent or mitigate the consequences of a fall. • Proper use of ladders. This includes using three points of contact when climbing, not leaning to one side while on the ladder, setting the ladder at the proper angle, securing the ladder, etc. • Proper housekeeping in work areas is important in preventing falls at the same level as well as falls from heights. • Warning signs and other methods of communicating fall hazards to nearby workers. • Conducting regular risk assessments. • Implementing motivational programs to encourage safety compliance are also effective strategies to prevent falls in construction. Summary There are many factors that can cause or contribute to a fall occurring in the workplace. Unsafe conditions paired with unsafe actions of workers while working at heights are a recipe for disaster. Do not put yourself or another worker in a position where an injury due to a fall can occur. Compliance with OSHA standards should only be the start of working at heights safely. Following a well-thought-out plan, providing all the necessary resources, and training employees can help to prevent injuries and fatalities due to falls. Additional Comments Trainer Name * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB reCAPTCHA If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit Δ
