Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction1, an industry that remains one of the most dangerous in the United States. Construction falls currently account for more than a third of all deaths in the industry.2 Tragically, over 300 workers fall to their deaths each year while performing their daily job functions.3 Though these losses are mainly preventable, we have not seen any significant reduction in deaths or injuries over the past 10 years.
Increased focus, education and training are needed to combat fall injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. The CPWR recently released results from a survey highlighting the underlying causes of falls. This survey interviewed workers who experienced a fall, witnessed a fall, or investigated a workplace fall incident. Several key findings from the survey show: 1) the lack of adequate planning, 2) the lack of clearly communicated company fall protection policies, and 3) the lack fall rescue training all playing significant roles in fall incidents.
Nationwide Insurance has developed an interactive Fall Protection Guide to help address these underlying causes of falls and to assist our members, and the construction industry, with reducing falls in the workplace. This resource is designed to walk through the basic fall protection requirements, outline critical roles and responsibilities and provide training requirements. In addition, the resource also provides turn-key solutions to document training, perform inspections, and to implement company and site-specific fall protection plans. The guide is intended to bring added awareness to the seriousness of falls in the industry, and ultimately reduce or eliminate fall incidents. To positively affect change and reduce falls will take commitment at all levels within your organization. Download the interactive Fall Protection Guide to start building your fall protection program today.
An additional way to commit to the reduction of falls is to participate in The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which is held every Spring.
1, 2 Niosh Construction Statistics
3 US Bureau of Labor Statistics: “A Look at Falls, Slips and Trips in the Construction Industry” 2022