Accidents on construction sites make up the most significant number of large claims in workers’ comp insurance, with slips and falls comprising the majority of these claims. Sadly, fall injuries are also the number one leading cause of death in construction, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This article will cover the various categories of construction workplace falls, tips on OSHA compliance, and what you can do to avoid falls at your worksite.

Falls From Heights

Last year, as with others, the largest amount of money paid out for ICW Group workers’ compensation claims for injured construction workers was due to falls from an elevation. OSHA requires that fall protection for construction workers be provided at elevations of six feet or more.

Here are some additional ways to avoid fall hazards and prevent falls while working from heights:

  • Plan Ahead for Safety: Safer outcomes are the result of better planning before the job even begins: look at all tasks involved and determine what factors contributing to falls or fatalities may exist and what safety equipment may be needed for each task to reduce the risk of falling.
  • Provide the Right Equipment: Pay careful attention to workers six feet or more above lower levels, they’re at risk for serious or even fatal injuries should they fall. Make sure they get fall protection and the right equipment for the job. For roof work, provide properly fitting PFAS (Personal Fall Arrest Systems) that are regularly inspected, and a harness for each worker who needs to tie off to the anchor.
  • Train Every Worker: Workers on construction sites should be trained in the correct setup and safe operation of the construction elevation tools and equipment they use on the job site. Employers should also educate workers on how to identify workplace hazards they may encounter as they work (see below for resources on trainings).
  • Consider Eliminating Exposure Altogether: Is there a way to get the job done without having to elevate a worker, or to contract it out? If so, seriously consider this option to control for what you can ahead of time.

Falls or Slips Into Openings

Holes and openings are often created on roofs and floors during building construction or demolition. These openings pose serious risks, as workers can be severely injured or even killed if they fall through them. Preventing such tragedies is possible by following OSHA standards for guarding roof openings and increasing worker awareness of the dangers associated with skylights, skylight openings, and other roof openings.

Take the following precautions to be OSHA compliant and help prevent fatal falls:

  • Install railings or screens guarding all skylights and other openings in roofs before roofing work begins and keep them there until construction is completed, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.23 and 1926.500.
  • Employers should provide protection against falls before workers begin any operations that include the potential for serious falls, as required by OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926.28). 
  • Employers must provide alternative forms of protection against falls, such as fixed covers, catch platforms, or safety nets, where conventional protective devices such as guardrails or safety belts/harnesses with lanyards may not be practical, as described in 29 CFR 1926.105.
  • Nets are particularly effective because they offer passive protection, meaning workers don’t need to actively identify the hazard or take specific actions to stay safe. In construction, netting can be set up as soon as roof openings are created and kept in place until construction is finished, or more permanent safety guards are installed.
  • Provide a guard rail and toe-board around every elevated open-sided platform, floor or runway.
  • Regardless of height, if a worker can fall into or onto dangerous machines or equipment (such as a vat of acid or a conveyor belt), provide guardrails and toe boards to prevent workers from falling and getting injured.

Falls From Ladders and Scaffolding

There are some fairly obvious inherent hazards associated with ladder and scaffold use, including: structural failure; ladders tipping or slipping; insufficient surface resistance on rungs; and ladder spreaders not being fully opened and locked, causing the ladder to “walk”, twist, or close up when a load is applied.

Safety devices can prevent falls on both portable and fixed ladders. For portable ladders, these include slip-resistant bases, safety tops, and other stability-enhancing features. They should be secured if placed where they might tip over. Fixed ladders often use safety cages or restraint belts attached to sliding fixtures for protection.

Weak, damaged, or unsafe ladders must be removed for repair or disposal. Wooden ladders should be cut up before discarding to prevent reuse. Portable ladders must be well-maintained, inspected frequently, and tagged if defective, then removed from service.

Other recommended general practices include the following.

  • Use a 4-to-1 ratio when leaning a single or extension ladder (e.g. place a 12-foot ladder so that the bottom is 3 feet away from the object the ladder is leaning against).
  • Be sure that a stepladder is fully open and the metal spreader locked before starting to climb.
  • Never use ladders during a strong wind except in an emergency and then only when they are securely fastened.
  • Never leave placed ladders unattended.
  • Never use ladders as guys, braces, or skids, or for any other purpose other than their intended purposes.
  • Never attempt to adjust a ladder while a user is standing on the ladder.
  • Never jump from a ladder. Always dismount from the bottom rung.

Falls or Slips on Stairs

Just because going up and down stairs seems like a basic daily function, stair safety should not be dismissed, as a significant number of our construction policyholder claims come from falls and slips on stairs each year.

 A good portion of these falls are a result of not paying attention. These can be avoided by keeping a few reminders in mind:

  • Always use handrails when ascending or descending the stairway.
  • Be cautious of environmental conditions such as ice, snow, or rain accumulation that may build up on the steps of stairways.
  • Never carry a load with both hands while going up or down the stairs: your attention is on balancing the load, hands can’t grip the handrail, and your vision is likely blocked.
  • Make sure your shoes or boots are tied before using any stairway.
  • Report any situation in which you find spills, trash, or insufficient lighting provided on any workplace stairway, indoors or outdoors.
  • Never run up or down the stairs and avoid distractions like trying to get a co-worker’s attention or looking at your cell phone.
  • Never use stairways or landings as a storage place, even temporarily.

OSHA has developed excellent guidelines for stairway construction and safety in industrial settings:

Falls From the Same Level

Falls that occur from the same level, typically involving slips and trips, are their own category of sizable claims from our construction policyholders annually. These are not to be taken lightly, as they can result in serious injury, including head trauma, broken bones, torn ligaments, and sometimes permanent disability.

Make sure you’re doing your best to keep your construction site safe from slips, trips and falls:

  • Keep pathways clear of potential obstacles like cords and tools
  • Clean up spills immediately
  • Designate areas for trash and scraps, don’t just “leave it where it lands”
  • Schedule daily safety checks at consistent times
  • Pay close attention to good lighting that’s not too dark or with too much glare
  • Use grip tape in high-risk areas

ICW Group Resources for Construction Fall Prevention

ICW Group has numerous training guides and resources to help keep your workers on their feet and avoid construction site accidents. Here are a few:

Remaining vigilant and consistent about construction industry safety should always be a top priority. As your partners in creating a culture of safety, ICW Group is here to help. Contact your ICW Group risk management consultant if you have questions about the safety and health of your employees. We want to see your employees go home safe!