Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the world, with more than 300,000 workers dying every year from work-related accidents and diseases. The leading cause of death in construction is falls, accounting for nearly 40% of all fatalities in the sector. However, most of these deaths are preventable, if proper safety measures are followed and enforced.
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What are the main factors that contribute to falls in construction?
Falls can occur in various ways on construction sites, such as falling from heights, falling through openings, falling off ladders or scaffolds, or slipping and tripping on uneven or slippery surfaces. Some of the common factors that increase the risk of falls include:
- Lack of adequate fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, guardrails, nets, or covers
- Lack of proper training and supervision on how to use fall protection equipment and work safely at heights
- Poor site management and planning, such as failing to identify and eliminate fall hazards, or failing to provide safe access and egress routes
- Human error, such as negligence, fatigue, distraction, or overconfidence
- Environmental conditions, such as bad weather, poor lighting, or strong winds
How can falls be prevented in construction?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the best way to prevent falls in construction is to follow the three-step process of plan, provide, and train.
- Plan: Before starting any work at heights, employers should plan ahead and assess the risks and hazards involved. They should also ensure that they have the right equipment, materials, and personnel for the job, and that they allocate enough time and resources for safety.
- Provide: Employers should provide workers with the appropriate fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, anchors, lifelines, guardrails, nets, or covers. They should also ensure that the equipment is in good condition, compatible, and suitable for the task and the environment.
- Train: Employers should train workers on how to use fall protection equipment correctly and safely, and how to recognize and avoid fall hazards. They should also supervise and monitor workers to ensure that they follow the safety rules and procedures.
What are the benefits of preventing falls in construction?
Preventing falls in construction is not only a moral and legal obligation, but also a smart business decision. By reducing the number of falls, employers can:
- Save lives and prevent injuries and illnesses among workers
- Improve worker morale and productivity
- Enhance reputation and customer satisfaction
- Avoid legal liabilities and penalties
- Reduce costs and losses associated with accidents, such as medical expenses, compensation claims, insurance premiums, delays, and damages
Conclusion
The leading cause of death in construction is falls, but they are preventable. By following the three-step process of plan, provide, and train, employers can protect their workers from falling and create a safer and more profitable construction industry.
