Falling while working at heights is the leading cause of death in the construction industry and the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2019, 880 workers died in falls, and 244,000 were injured badly enough to require days off of work. For companies looking to reduce injuries and death, making fall safety every day’s leading goal is a must. Explore tips from the NSC on making safety a top priority every day.
Making Safety a Leading Priority
Falls are 100% preventable, and there are obvious scenarios that present fall risks, like working on roofs, scaffolding, and ladders. However, falls don’t always occur when working at a high level. According to the NSC’s “Injury Facts 2019,” 146 workers were killed in falls on the same level. The NSC recommends that companies plan, assess the risk of the job at hand, and use the right equipment—including the tools and machines to get the job done and the fall protection gear that will save a worker if a fall does occur.
Tips in each area include:
Plan Ahead
- Everyone on a job site should discuss the tools, machinery, and safety equipment needed.
- Explore if a job can be completed without working at heights.
- Ensure everyone is trained in all tools, equipment, and safety gear.
- Wear proper footwear.
- Never work in inclement weather; check weather forecasts.
- Have company safety protocols and enforce them.
Assess the Risk
- Scan every job site for potential hazards.
- Put a focus on safety every day with training, morning meetings, safety assessments, etc.
Use the Right Equipment
- Use only the correct tool or equipment for the job, and use it as intended.
- Follow safety protocols for ladders, scaffolding, trenches, etc.
- Never use old or damaged equipment.
- Inspect equipment, tools, and safety gear before every shift.
All falls are preventable when safety is made a top priority. Safe Keeper offers a complete line of fall protection gear and fall protection systems to make safety a top priority.