Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death at work. In 2018, 791 people died in falls from heights and from the same level at work. For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death.
Hazards in the Workplace
Also in 2018, more than 240,000 people were injured badly enough in falls to require days off of work, according to Injury Facts.
Construction workers are most at risk for fatal falls from height – more than seven times the rate of other industries – but falls can happen anywhere, even at a “desk job.”
NSC data for 2018 measures deaths and injuries due to falls from height and falls on the same level, by industry, including:
- Construction: 10,650 injuries, 320 deaths
- Production: 17,160 injuries, 39 deaths
- Transportation and Material Moving: 45,730 injuries, 82 deaths
- Farming, Fishing and Forestry: 4,380 injuries, 17 deaths
- Building and Grounds Maintenance: 16,880 injuries, 99 deaths
- Healthcare: 13,600 injuries, 3 deaths
Falls are 100% Preventable
Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment. First, determine if working from a height is absolutely necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely.
- Discuss the task with coworkers and determine what safety equipment is needed
- Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment
- Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job
- Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment
- If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather
- Use the correct tool for the job, and use it as intended
- Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open
- Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder
- Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface
- A straight or extension ladder should be 1 foot away from the surface it rests on for every 4 feet of height and extend at least 3 feet over the top edge
- Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support
- Wear slip-resistant shoes and don’t stand higher than the third rung from the top
- Don’t lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom
- Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use
Millions of people are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year. A fall can end in death or disability in a split second, but with a few simple precautions, you’ll be sure stay safe at at work.
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.