Fall Protection in Construction

Fall Protection in Construction Review

In the construction industry in the U.S., falls are the leading
cause of worker fatalities. Each year, on average, between 150
and 200 workers are killed and more than 100,000 are injured
as a result of falls at construction sites. OSHA recognizes that
accidents involving falls are generally complex events frequently
involving a variety of factors. Consequently, the
standard for fall protection deals with both the human and
equipment-related issues in protecting workers from fall hazards.
For example, employers and employees need to do the
following:
• Where protection is required, select fall protection
systems appropriate for given situations.
• Use proper construction and installation of safety systems.
• Supervise employees properly.
• Use safe work procedures.
• Train workers in the proper selection, use, and
maintenance of fall protection systems.