There is no denying the fact that construction workers face many risks on a daily basis. Among these is the potential of suffering serious injury or death as the result of a fall from elevation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 350 construction fatalities in 2015 were caused by a fall from height.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), along with the National Safety Council (NSC) and many other organizations, realizes just how big of a problem this has become. These organizations also realize that falls from elevation are avoidable.
With all this in mind, OSHA has asked employers to discuss fall protection safety during what is known as “Fall Safety Stand Down” week.
While the Fall Safety Stand Down event can help construction companies in a variety of ways, it’s important to note that it can save lives and prevent injuries in almost every industry imaginable.
During this event, managers are encouraged to discuss things such as creating and reviewing safety procedures, conducting safety inspections, developing a rescue plan and holding an on-site training session.
It’s a shame that so many people are injured in falls from elevation every year. The only good thing about this is that every one of these accidents is preventable with the right plan in place and an accident can help workers and employers work with safety in mind at all times.
If you are injured in this type of accident in the future, your health should be your top priority. Along with this, take the time to learn more about your legal rights, such as if you can file a claim to receive workers’ compensation benefits in the near future.
Source: National Safety Council, “NSC Stands with OSHA on Fall Safe,” accessed May 10, 2017
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