Seven Things To Know About Construction Site Falls in Kentucky

Falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs account for more than one-third of all fatal construction accidents in Kentucky and other states.

There were 774 construction deaths nationwide in 2010, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and 264 of these were fall-related.

Safety officials are trying to decrease the death count and increase awareness of construction fall dangers.

One way they are doing this is by conducting safety stand-downs in states like Kentucky that have high fall rates. One such stand-down occurred in the first week of August in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Other efforts include fall prevention training, workshops and bilingual educational materials.

Seven Facts About Construction Falls in Kentucky

Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps: plan, provide and train.

Here are seven other facts from OSHA about construction site falls:

1. Any worker who is six feet or more above lower levels is at risk for serious injury or death if the worker should fall.
2. Roofing jobs present multiple fall hazards, such as holes, skylights and leading edges.
3. Employers are required by law to provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job.
4. Different ladders and scaffolds are appropriate for different jobs. Workers should be trained on how to work safely from heights.
5. Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) can save lives. A common type of PFAS provides a harness for the worker to attach to an anchor. The PFAS should fit properly.
6. All safety equipment should be regularly inspected to make sure it is in good condition and safe to use.
7. A worker who is injured in a fall is likely entitled to Kentucky workers’ compensation benefits.

To learn more about OSHA’s fall prevention campaign, or to get copies of fall prevention-related publications, contact any OSHA office or click here.

Source:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=24465