The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has published a new fact sheet to help construction employers and workers prevent falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolds, according to www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers, who average more than 310 fatal falls and 10,350 serious fall-related injuries per year. Additionally, most fatal falls from scaffolds (86%), roofs (81%) and ladders (57%) occur in construction.
The fact sheet stresses the importance of training and regular ladder and scaffold maintenance and offers recommendations for avoiding falls. Recommendations for workers on roofs include implementing a fall-protection program; wearing proper fall-protection gear and undergoing corresponding training; using correct anchorage for fall-arrest systems; using a buddy system; and monitoring weather conditions when working at height.
The fact sheet also includes recommendations for workers on ladders and scaffolds.
The sixth annual National Safety Stand-Down is May 6-10. NIOSH, OSHA and the Center for Construction Research and Training offer numerous free online resources to help employers prepare. Learn more about the stand-down.
