Construction is a dangerous industry and falls are among the most common causes of injuries and deaths in construction.

In 2017, 39 percent of construction industry deaths were caused by Falls. And even non-fatal falls take a heavy toll. Each non fatal fall costs the construction industry an average of $27,000. And falls have even bigger consequences for workers. The average non-fatal fall results in 15days of missed work and 33% of these falls result in missing 30 days of work or more.

When you are out on the job, you can keep yourself safe from falls by always staying aware of your surroundings and by following your job sites fall prevention plan. 

OSHA also has general tips for increasing awareness of the most common fall hazards on job sites. These are OSHA’s top 4 fall prevention tips.

1 Know where fall protection is required. Fall protection is required anywhere on a construction site where workers are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more.

2 Know the hazards that require a job site to have a fall prevention plan in place. Construction sites that have specific fall hazards should have a fall prevention plan in place. Some of these hazards are unprotected sides and edges, wall openings, excavations and low sloped roofs.

3 Know the best methods of fall protection. OSHA requires employers to use at least one of these four methods of fall protection whenever workers are exposed to a fall of six feet or more. Guardrails and midrails must follow OSHA guidelines on proper height, strength and position which will depend on the type of work being done. Hole covers should be capable of supporting twice the weight of employees. Equipment and materials that may be placed on the cover at any one time. Safety nets are used for bridges and multi-story buildings and they must be dropped tested at the job site. Personal fall arrest systems consist of three parts, anchorage, a body harness and a connector.

4 Know the most common fall hazards.

 These four hazards caused the most fall related injuries. Unprotected floor holes and wall openings. Improper scaffold construction. Unguarded, protruding steel rebars. And misuse of portable ladders.

A fall on a construction site is one of the most dangerous of all workplace accidents, but the good news is that Falls are preventable.

Staying alert, getting proper training, and following your job sites fall prevention plan are the best ways to stay safe and to protect your health while you're on the job.