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Reducing Falls in the Construction Industry

Falls are the leading cause of injury and death on construction sites. In fact, 200 construction workers are killed each year by falls and over 10,000 are seriously injured. This is even true for companies that follow all of the current OSHA safety standards to prevent accidents like these from occurring. Part of the problem is that falls can cause serious injuries from even low heights. However, workers often let their guards down when working at lower heights, which leads to safety failures and fatal accidents. Falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs occur almost daily and are typically due to a failure to follow proper protocol or to utilize the provided safety mechanisms.

Integrate Fall Management in Building Design
Preventing falls really starts in the pre-planning phase of construction by actually implementing anti-fall devices, such as anchor points, into the design of the building. Additionally, when planning the projects budget and equipment needs, ensure that they both include adequate safety considerations. Safety gear such as the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, harnesses, personal fall arrest systems and other safety gear should be just as much of a priority as the materials and design of the building.

Fall Prevention Tactics
Preventing falls on the construction site requires setting up an effective fall management program for workers to follow. This program should set forth safety protocols to follow starting at heights as low as six feet and extending upward to the highest level that the workers are exposed to. The program must also include a thorough training program for all construction workers to ensure that they know how to utilize the available safety equipment properly and that they are doing so consistently. 

Part of an effective fall management program includes instruction on the proper use of a ladder which ensures it is placed at the proper angle and not extended upward too far. It also must include the proper assembly, tying off and inspection of scaffolding as well as procedures for working on a roof. 
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