Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Falls

  • Breaking the fall: Top strategies to prevent slips, trips, and falls

    Breaking the fall: Top strategies to prevent slips, trips, and falls

    When it comes to construction, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity. Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common and dangerous incidents on any job site, leading to severe injuries, lost workdays, and sometimes worse. Proper footwear, training, and awareness are key to preventing accidents and ensuring job site safety.

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls accounted for over 35% of all construction-related fatalities in 2022. But why are these accidents so frequent in the construction industry? The odds of a misstep are high with uneven surfaces, cluttered spaces, and unpredictable weather.

    Keeping your crew safe isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about creating a productive and positive work environment where everyone can feel secure.

    Slips, trips, and falls

    Slips, trips, and falls might seem straightforward, but each incident has causes and risks. Let’s break them down:

    • Slips occur when there isn’t enough traction between your foot and your walking surface. Slips can happen on wet or oily floors, uneven ground, or debris scattered across the site. For example, a worker might step on a patch of spilled oil, lose their footing, and fall.
    • Trips happen when your foot strikes an object or uneven surface, causing you to lose balance. On a construction site, this can be caused by things like tangled extension cords, tools left in pathways, or uneven ground. Imagine rushing from one end of the site to the other and tripping over a stray piece of rebar.
    • Falls are typically the result of slips or trips but can also occur independently, especially from heights. Workers often operate at various elevations, whether on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops. A simple misstep on an improperly secured ladder could send someone tumbling down, resulting in serious injury.

    These accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the consequences are often severe, so understanding their causes is crucial for preventing them.

    Slips, trips, and falls in construction

    Slips, trips, and falls are a big issue in the construction industry, accounting for a significant portion of all workplace injuries. The numbers don’t lie—these incidents occur more frequently than expected, making construction sites particularly hazardous if proper precautions aren’t in place.

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, responsible for over 35% of all construction-related deaths in 2022. This isn’t just about fatal accidents either. Slips, trips, and falls also result in numerous non-fatal injuries, leading to thousands of lost workdays. For instance, the CPWR’s Data Dashboard reports that between 2011 and 2020, there were 1,102 fatal falls in construction, and falls to a lower level accounted for the vast majority of these.

    Moreover, slips, trips, and falls were responsible for more than 25% of all non-fatal injuries in construction in 2022, underscoring the need for preventative measures.

    The impact on workers and employers alike is immense. Injuries from slips, trips, and falls can lead to extended periods away from work. In fact, in 2022, construction workers injured from falls had an average of 21 days away from work, according to the BLS. This affects the workers’ livelihoods and creates operational challenges for companies struggling to fill those gaps.

    The data paints a worrying picture, but these statistics also highlight areas for improvement. 

    The danger of slips, trips, and falls

    The danger of slips, trips, and falls extends beyond the immediate physical harm—they can have serious, life-altering consequences, both in the short and long term:

    Physical injuries

    Slips, trips, and falls are responsible for a wide range of injuries on construction sites. These can range from sprains and fractures to more severe cases like broken bones, concussions, and spinal injuries. A fall from a ladder, for instance, can lead to multiple broken limbs or even traumatic brain injuries. According to the National Safety Council, over 244,000 workers were injured in falls at the same level in 2021, many in the construction industry.

    Fatalities

    Falls, in particular, are the most deadly of the three. In construction, falls account for more than one-third of all work-related deaths. A misstep off a scaffold or rooftop can have fatal consequences, as seen in the statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports that nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths were the result of falls, slips, and trips. These deaths don’t just affect workers—they leave families, friends, and colleagues devastated.

    Lost workdays and productivity

    When an injury occurs, it often leads to significant time away from work. This lost time directly impacts worker productivity and strains the rest of the team to cover shifts, leading to project delays and increased costs.

    Compensation and medical costs

    The financial toll is also heavy. Workers’ compensation claims for falls can cost companies thousands of dollars per incident. According to Liberty Mutual’s 2021 Workplace Safety Index, falls on the same level cost U.S. businesses $10.58 billion in direct compensation costs, while falls to a lower level accounted for another $6.26 billion. These figures only cover the direct costs; when you factor in indirect costs like training replacements, project delays, and legal fees, the financial burden is even higher.

    Preventing slips, trips, and falls in construction

    Here’s the good news: many of these accidents are entirely preventable with the proper measures. Let’s look at some practical steps you can take to keep your team safe and minimize accidents.

    Proper footwear

    One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent slips, trips, and falls is by ensuring workers have the right footwear. Non-slip, sturdy boots with proper tread can make a huge difference in gaining traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. 

    Look for boots that meet OSHA standards and are designed for construction environments. In addition to non-slip soles, protective features like steel toes or reinforced ankles offer extra safety from other site hazards like falling tools or heavy materials. Footwear may seem like a small detail, but it can be a literal lifesaver on the job.

    Awareness

    Many accidents happen simply because hazards are overlooked or not immediately visible. That’s why raising awareness on-site is critical to keeping everyone safe. Encourage workers to stay vigilant by being aware of their surroundings and reporting potential dangers when they spot them. 

    Posting safety reminders in high-traffic areas and holding regular toolbox talks on slip and trip hazards help everyone on-site remember these risks. Workers tuned into their surroundings are less likely to fall victim to avoidable accidents.

    Training around hazards

    Proper training is crucial for reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls in construction. Workers need to understand how to safely navigate the unique dangers of construction sites, from uneven floors to weather conditions. 

    Regular safety training programs can teach employees to identify hazards, understand the proper use of safety gear, and follow best practices when working from heights or around wet surfaces. Comprehensive training should also include using fall protection equipment, like harnesses and guardrails, to prevent falls from ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops. When workers know how to handle hazards, the risk of injury drops significantly.

    Additional strategies

    Beyond footwear, awareness, and training, other key strategies can help reduce the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls:

    • Site cleanliness: Keeping work areas clean and free of clutter is essential. Ensure pathways are clear of debris, tools, and equipment that could cause a trip.
    • Hazard identification: Conduct regular inspections to spot slip and trip hazards like loose flooring, spills, or cables strewn across the floor.
    • Floor marking: Use brightly colored floor markings to indicate hazardous areas or places where caution is needed, such as near open pits or uneven surfaces.

    The bottom line

    Preventing slips, trips, and falls in construction isn’t just about following regulations but creating a safer, more productive work environment. The good news is that these incidents are largely preventable. When safety is prioritized, lives are saved, costs are reduced, and overall productivity is improved. In the end, a safe site is a successful one—it all starts with being proactive.

  • The 7 most common fall protection mistakes on the job (and how to fix them)

    The 7 most common fall protection mistakes on the job (and how to fix them)

    Falls are a serious problem on any job, whether working at heights or not. A lack of awareness about your surroundings and cutting corners on safety can quickly and unintentionally become problematic. Using worn-out equipment, not conducting a risk assessment, or improperly using your SRL could result in injury or fatalities. However, ensuring routine equipment checks, providing proper training, and developing a fall protection plan are simple ways to reduce accidents.

    Falls are one of the biggest concerns in construction

    Falls, slips, and trips accounted for 1 in 5 workplace deaths in the construction industry in 2022. A fall in the workplace usually means recovery time afterward, which, in most cases, is at least one working day. Aside from injury to the worker, it means a short-staffed team, more administrative work, accommodations when they’re re-integrated, and potentially a diminished safety culture on site. 

    In this industry, every small decision could be the difference between a job safely completed and an accident. When you’ve been on a job site for a certain amount of time, it’s easy to think you “know best,” and you may be tempted to execute the Cliff Notes version of training, risk assessments, and equipment inspections. 

    By examining the top reasons falls happen, you’ll better understand the importance of prevention and how to protect yourself and your team in the long term. 

    7 most common fall protection mistakes (and how to fix them)

    1. Improperly fitting harness

    A full-body harness in today’s trade industries ensures every job is done safely. 

    Harnesses are designed to disperse a person’s weight so the force and circulation are distributed evenly in the event of a fall, preventing potential injury. However, when harnesses are improperly worn or ill-fitting, it renders the safety mechanism ineffective and becomes just as dangerous as making the climb without a fall protection harness at all.

    How to fix it: Every harness manufacturer is different, so following the manual’s safety instructions is crucial to get the configuration right. Remove the harness immediately from service if there is any visible damage to the straps, rings, or buckles. 

    2. Damaged or worn-out equipment

    It’s not just harnesses that should be discarded if damaged—lifelines, anchors, lanyards, belts, and other Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE) must be routinely inspected to ensure safety. Even hard hats are crucial to examine, as they could save a life in the event of a fall. 

    PFPE manufacturers don’t put concrete expiration dates on equipment, as the materials are exposed to different chemicals and substances depending on the job site. Still, if your equipment has no visible damage or wear, five years to expiry is an excellent rule of thumb. 

    How to fix it: For maximum safety, make sure there’s time to routinely inspect all fall protection equipment before starting a job. 

    3. Lack of training

    OSHA provides mandatory fall protection training to keep workers safe on site—they also cite falls as the most frequent safety violation. 

    Falls can happen at any time with little to no warning, regardless of how long the worker is in the harness. Quality training increases the likelihood that workers have taken all preventative measures and are more willing to comply with safety rules on the job. 

    How to fix it: Ensure your fall protection training goes beyond watching videos. Workers must have an instructor on-site or visit a facility to get hands-on practice with the equipment and better understand how to navigate any scenario. 

    4. Failure to execute a risk assessment

    Every job site has unique fall risks. Failing to outline them is a perfect storm for a hazardous job site. Regularly conducting a risk assessment is vital for lowering the risk of injury and fatalities for everyone on the job. 

    How to fix: A leadership or safety team should complete a walk-through and identify all areas of a job site that are fall hazards. Each hazard must be evaluated by likelihood, and proper controls must be implemented to lessen the risks. 

    5. Improper or insufficient anchor points

    Anchor points are secured points to which workers attach their PFPE to lessen fall risk. When workers choose an insufficient or unstable anchor point, the risk of accident or injury increases. 

    Proper anchor point and anchor point selection training should be part of the general fall protection safety training so workers on the job site can assess, choose, and re-evaluate anchor points safely. 

    How to fix it: The safety team on your job site should conduct a meticulous walk-through and note the stability, compatibility with PFPE, and load capacity of potential anchor points. These points should be reassessed regularly. 

    6. Improper use of SRL (self-retracting lifeline)

    Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) are integral equipment for preventing a fall accident. They attach to a worker’s harness and may have different configurations depending on the manufacturer. Typing an SRL to an inappropriate anchor point or misusing an SRL could be the difference between minor falls and fatalities. 

    Following the provided safety instructions and regularly reassessing the SRL for damage is essential. 

    How to fix it: Ensure SRL use is part of fall protection safety training. Also, ensure that your SRL is adequately rated for leading-edge applications. Lastly, ensure an energy absorber at the worker’s mid-body to disperse force. 

    7. Failure to develop and implement a fall protection plan

    A fall protection plan, sometimes called a rescue plan, is the knowledge, practice, and implementation of safely rescuing a worker in a hazardous fall scenario. Preparing this plan and ensuring everyone’s understanding of it could be the difference between safety or death on site.

    Plans should be made for each specific job site. While this is time-consuming in the moment, preventing falls could save your team time and stress later on the job. 

    How to fix it: Identify all guidelines your team needs to know for their job site. This includes where equipment is kept, what and where the hazards are, how to perform a PFPE inspection, and what to do in the event of a fall. 

    The bottom line

    Regardless of the advancements made in PFPE equipment, fall risks are always present. Ensuring your team is trained, prepared, and consistently meets safety compliance standards is critical for reducing workplace accidents and fatalities. 

    Reducing the percentage of workplace falls and fatalities requires everyone’s knowledge, diligence, and commitment to safety together. By following the tips we’ve outlined, your team will be well on the way.

  • Which construction workplace injuries cost companies the most?

    Which construction workplace injuries cost companies the most?

    Workplace safety protocols are constantly becoming more stringent, but every year, work-related injuries and illnesses combined across U.S. businesses cost billions in losses. Overexertion, falls, and transportation injuries are just a few types of injuries that rack up worker’s compensation bills. 

    Here are 6 of the most common and expensive workplace injuries.

    Overexertion

    Overall share: 21.53%

    Cost: $12.49B per year

    Most at-risk industries: Transportation and Warehousing

    Overexertion is the most common worker injury claim in the U.S. These types of injuries often arise when excessive strain on the body is repeatedly required. Lifting heavy loads, heavy twisting movements, or repeated lifting and carrying can all lead to overexertion. If there’s equipment or a technique to reduce these types of physical strain on the job, it should be utilized. 

    Falls on the same level

    Overall share: 17.22%

    Cost: $9.99B per year

    Most at-risk industries: Transportation, Warehousing, and Agriculture

    Falls on the same level could happen in any industry, especially if there’s little regard for unattended spills. Wet floors are the biggest warning sign of potential fall injuries, so proper cleanup and PPE are crucial for any on-site team. Ensuring a clean work area and pre-design planning can also reduce the number of trips and falls.

    Falls to a lower level

    Overall share: 9.79%

    Cost: $5.68B per year

    Most at-risk industries: Transportation, Warehousing, and Agriculture

    Falls to a lower level, while more dangerous than falls on the same level, are less frequent. This is due to heavier safety precautions and more active prevention. Ladder safety, harnesses, guardrails, and marked-off areas where a fall to a lower level can occur are more common practices, leading to fewer overall claims.

    Contact with equipment and objects

    Overall share: 9.56%

    Cost: $5.55B per year

    Most at-risk industries: Any industry with heavy operating equipment

    This category broadly includes being struck, squeezed, or pinched by equipment, whether that action is performed by the worker or the machinery. Additionally, friction, pressure, or vibration between the injured and the source of the injury are included. 

    A warning sign that a worker might be at risk for this type of injury includes unsecured racks and equipment and improperly warning-labeled machinery. 

    Awkward exertions or bodily reactions

    Overall share: 6.34%

    Cost: $3.68B 

    Most at-risk industries: Transportation and Warehousing

    Improper form when moving on the job can lead to awkward exertion injuries. Unnatural lifting, twisting, climbing, and other uncommon movements may cause muscle strains or bone cracks. Climbing in and out of company vehicles can also cause injuries from a painful bodily reaction. 

    Transportation injuries

    Overall share: 4.75%

    Cost: $2.76B

    Most at-risk industries: Any industry that requires workers to operate a vehicle

    This category includes all types of vehicles, including aircraft, water, and railway vehicles, as well as all roadway and non-roadway vehicles. Additionally, if someone submits an injury claim due to working with an animal for transport, it would fall under this category. 

    Texting while driving is the most common reason a claim is filed in this category. 

    The cost of workplace injuries

    According to the Workplace Safety Index, the total cost of worker’s compensation claims was $58 billion, averaging more than $1 billion each week. 

    Trauma to the head and neck consistently ranks at the top of the list of body areas that need the most costly coverage. Because they are fragile, proper PPE should be worn, and resources on head and neck exertion should be available to everyone on the job site. 

    The bottom line

    Safety stats in the workplace ebb and flow. Equipment evolves to become safer, and better standards are introduced. Still, new hazards like cell phones and smartwatches continue to present themselves, creating a never-ending cycle of distraction and damage. 

    35% of all injury claims are from workers with less than one year on the job. Proper safety training and resources are crucial, and it’s important that each worker abide by them. 

    Organizations should also routinely involve a qualified risk control consultant to ensure each site meets safety compliance standards. 

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  • Falls are the most common hazard in construction—here’s why

    Falls are the most common hazard in construction—here’s why

    Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, making up a significant part of what’s known as the ‘fatal four’—falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. Despite the risks, many of these accidents can be prevented with the right safety measures, such as proper PPE, adequate training, and integrating safety considerations during the design phase.

    Quick look

    • The ‘fatal four’—falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents—are the leading causes of accidental deaths in the construction industry.
    • The primary reasons for the high number of falls are a lack of focus on safety, improper PPE, incorrect tie-off levels, insufficient task planning, and poor risk management during design.
    • Companies can take practical steps to reduce fall-related incidents, including better training, proper use of PPE, correct installation of tie-offs, thorough task planning, and integrating safety into the design phase.

    Construction’s ‘fatal four’

    Falls

    The biggest killer in the construction industry, falls make up more than 35% of all deaths, often happening when workers fall from roofs, scaffolding, or ladders. In 2022, 395 out of 1,069 construction deaths in the U.S. were due to falls. These accidents not only cause devastating injuries and loss of life but also lead to huge costs for companies through compensation claims and lost productivity.

    Struck-bys

    These incidents happen when a worker is hit by an object, equipment, or vehicle. This might involve tools falling from a height, vehicles hitting workers, or machinery accidents. In 2022, these incidents made up 15.4% of construction deaths. The injuries from struck-bys can be severe, such as fractures and concussions, which can delay projects and increase insurance costs for companies.

    Electrocution

    Electrocution hazards account for about 8.3% of related deaths. This usually happens through contact with overhead power lines [Backlink to powerline safety article], faulty wiring, or improper use of electrical equipment. Electrocution can be deadly, and those who survive often suffer from serious burns or long-term injuries, leading to high medical expenses and long recovery times.

    Caught in or between

    Workers being crushed, caught, compressed by equipment, or struck in collapsing structures account for about 5.5% of construction fatalities. Such accidents often happen in trench collapses or when workers are caught between heavy machinery and stationary objects, leading to catastrophic injuries or death and causing significant emotional and financial burdens on everyone involved.

    Falls account for more than 35% of deaths in construction

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls, slips, and trips were the most common fatal accidents in construction, making up nearly 38% of all fatalities in the industry​​​​. In 2022 alone, the construction industry saw 395 out of 1,069 fatalities due to falls​​.

    The American numbers are alarming. The BLS reports that in 2021, there were 1,102 fatal injuries in the construction sector, with 418 of these being from falls, slips, and trips​​. Events like the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction are crucial for raising awareness and promoting safety practices to prevent these deaths​​.

    Canada faces similar issues. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety states that falls are one of the leading causes of severe injuries and deaths in construction, particularly from ladders, roofs, and scaffolding​​.

    What’s even more amazing? According to BLS data, fall-related fatalities have been on the rise. From 2018 to 2021, there was a nearly 6% increase in fatal construction falls​​. Additionally, the Center for Construction Research and Training reports that over 300 fatal and 20,000 nonfatal fall injuries occur each year in the construction industry​​. 

    Put simply, there has never been a better time for effective fall prevention strategies and safety protocols.

    5 reasons construction falls keep happening

    1. Not enough focus on safety

    Why it’s happening: A lack of a strong safety culture, insufficient training, and an emphasis on productivity over protection are major reasons that falls continue to occur. Many construction sites focus more on completing tasks quickly rather than safely, which can lead to unsafe practices and shortcuts that put workers at risk. Unfortunately, safety violations are all too common, and many companies fail to comply with even basic safety standards.

    What to do about it: To prevent falls, companies need to implement comprehensive training programs that educate workers about the importance of safety and the correct procedures to follow. Establishing a strong work culture where preventing accidents is a top priority is essential. Enforcing strict safeguarding protocols and holding regular meetings or updates can help keep safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

    2. Improper (or lack of) PPE

    Why it’s happening: Falls often happen because workers are not using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) or are using it incorrectly. Sometimes, the right PPE isn’t available, or workers aren’t aware of how important it is. 

    What to do about it: It is crucial to ensure that all workers have access to the proper PPE and know how to use it correctly. Companies should provide regular training sessions on the correct use of PPE and enforce compliance on job sites with regular checks to ensure all safety gear is in good condition.

    3. Tie-offs at the wrong level

    Why it’s happening: Incorrect installation of tie-off points or a lack of understanding of proper tie-off procedures can lead to falls. Workers might tie off at the wrong height or use improper anchor points, which can create a falling hazard.

    What to do about it: Training workers on proper tie-off techniques and ensuring they understand the importance of tying off at the correct level can help prevent falls. Regular inspections of tie-off points are necessary to ensure they are installed correctly and are safe to use.

    4. Insufficient pre-work task planning

    Why it’s happening: A lack of detailed planning before starting work can lead to falls. Many hazards can be identified and mitigated during the planning stage, but this step is often overlooked. Poor planning can result in workers being unprepared for the risks they might encounter.

    What to do about it: Developing detailed task plans that identify potential fall risks and how to manage them is essential. Involving safety professionals during the planning stages can help identify hazards that might be missed. Conducting pre-work safety briefings can also ensure that all employees are aware of the risks and know how to work safely.

    5. Not mitigating risks during design

    Why it’s happening: Many fall risks are built into a construction project’s design. Design flaws that increase the likelihood of a fall often occur because worker safety isn’t adequately considered during the design process, leading to inherently dangerous work conditions.

    What to do about it: Integrating safety considerations into the design phase can greatly reduce fall risks. Involving safety experts in the design process ensures that potential hazards are identified and mitigated early on. Ultimately, safer design practices create a safer working environment from the start.

    The bottom line

    Falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Addressing the root causes of falls can significantly reduce these incidents, and implementing the strategies discussed can go a long way to creating safer work environments.

    Prioritizing safety is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting lives. Construction companies have to take proactive steps to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.