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In 2006, the Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that fatal work injuries involving falls
increased 5 percent in 2006 after a
sharp decrease in 2005. The 809 fatal falls in 2006 was the third highest total
since 1992, when the fatality census began. Fatal falls from roofs increased
from 160 fatalities in 2005 to 184 in 2006, a rise of 15 percent. [More...]
Falls from ladders and roofs still account for the majority of falls.
Identifying fall hazards and deciding how best to protect workers is the first
step in reducing or eliminating fall hazards. Occupational fatalities caused by falls remain a serious public health problem. The US Department of Labor
(DOL) lists falls as one of the
leading causes of traumatic occupational death, accounting for eight percent of all occupational fatalities from trauma.
Any time a worker is at a height of four feet or more, the worker is at risk and
needs to be protected. Fall protection must be provided at four feet in general
industry, five feet in maritime and six feet in construction. However,
regardless of the fall distance, fall protection must be provided when working
over dangerous equipment and machinery.
The following questions link to information relevant to fall protection in the workplace.
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What standards apply?
OSHA | National Consensus |
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What information is available for the construction industry?
Hot Topics | Alliances | eTools | Standards | Hazards and Possible Solutions |
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What are the hazards and possible
solutions associated with fall protection?
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What additional information is available?
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