The good news is that workplace injury rates are on the decline thanks largely to improvements in safety measures. The bad news? Construction risks are making little headway. Fall protection in construction still tops the list of OSHA’s most frequently cited violations. Falls are typically the leading cause of death in construction and, not surprisingly, the cause of most construction-related injuries.
A.I.M. Mutual’s data backs the national numbers. Injury prevention in construction, as in all industries, is a priority for us as a workers’ compensation insurer. It starts with education and communication.
As part of an overall plan, we often conduct a job survey designed to help employers recognize and control potential safety and health hazards at their worksites. The survey also assists in improving a company’s safety and health efforts. Together we look to reduce, minimize, or eliminate workplace hazards and risks that could potentially lead to an employee accident and a workers’ compensation claim.
The construction contractor’s main concern on the job site should be the safety and well-being of employees. There are three basic steps in OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign:
1. Plan Ahead
Estimating the cost of a job needs to include the cost of safety equipment. Be sure it’s available on day one. Plan projects with safety in mind.
2. Provide The Right Equipment
Construction employees working at heights of six feet or greater above a lower level must use fall protection. They must also use it at heights of less than six feet when working near dangerous equipment. Fall protection must be provided whether the work is conducted by a general contractor, self- employed contractor, subcontractor, or an individual worker. Choose the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear, depending on the job. Consider a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), designed to safely stop a fall before the worker strikes a lower level.
3. Train Employees
Training must include how to recognize fall hazards and how to minimize them. It must also include how to inspect, erect, disassemble, and maintain the fall protection equipment. Retraining and documentation are required.
Don’t take chances. Ultimately you are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for your employees.