National campaign launched to prevent construction-related falls

Falls are the number one cause of work-related construction deaths and a leading cause of injuries. Efforts to prevent falls have morphed into a nationwide campaign.

The Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction began last month after stakeholder discussions under various federal agencies, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The initiative encourages those in the construction industry to work safely and use the right equipment to reduce falls.

A variety of fact sheets, training materials, posters, and other documents focus on the theme: plan, provide, train. The main messages being used for the campaign are:

Contractors and workers can plan together before every job to work safely at heights.
Contractors must provide the right equipment for working at heights and workers need to use that equipment.
Contractors and workers need to be trained to use the equipment and to work safely.

Updated information sought to protect tunnel workers (02/04/13)
Redesigning, rotating may reduce musculoskeletal disorders (02/04/13)
Technological advancements allow manikins to test protective clothing (02/04/13)
Extremely hot weather prompts statement from Labor Secretary (08/01/11)
Try weekly plan to increase safety, decrease workplace injuries (04/19/12)

Among the fact sheets is one that includes tips for preventing falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds.

To prevent falling from roofs, employers should make sure workers wear a harness that fits and is always connected, use guardrails or lifelines, inspect all fail protection equipment in advance, and guard or cover all openings.

Workers can be protected on ladders by choosing the right ladder for the job, maintaining three points of contact, securing the ladder, and being instructed to always face the ladder.

Falls from scaffolding can be prevented by using fully planked scaffolds, ensuring proper access to scaffolds, plumbing and leveling, completing all guardrails, ensuring stable footing, and inspecting by a competent person before use.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

May 21, 2012

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