Construction Fall Prevention Safety Tips

Roofers using fall protection harnesses

With the OSHA Fall Prevention Directive for residential construction taking effect next month, this is a good time to renew your fall prevention efforts. Here are some OSHA tips to prevent falls in construction:

To prevent falls from roofs:

  • Wear a harness and always stay connected
  • Make sure your harness fits
  • Use guardrails or lifelines
  • Inspect all fall protection equipment before use
  • Guard or cover all holes, openings, and skylights

To prevent falls from ladders:

  • Choose the right ladder for the job
  • Maintain three points of contact
  • Secure the ladder
  • Always face the ladder

To prevent falls from scaffolds:

  • Use fully planked scaffolds
  • Ensure proper access to scaffold
  • Plumb and level
  • Complete ALL guardrails
  • Ensure stable footing
  • Inspect before use (by competent person)

The costs of construction falls

Roofers and carpenters face fall hazards on a daily basis. It’s no wonder falls from heights create significant injuries and costs. An OSHA study of incidents from 2005-2007 showed the following costs. You can imagine how much they’ve increased since then.

  • For roofers:
    • Falls from elevations: $106,000 each
    • Falls from ladders or scaffolds: $68,000 each
  • For carpenters:
    • Falls from elevations: $97,000 each
    • Falls from ladders or scaffolds: $62,000 each

Protecting construction workers from falls

There are a number of ways to protect construction workers from falls, including appropriate training, guardrail systems, safety nets and personal fall protection systems. But adopting and enforcing safe work practices is essential. Whether conducting a hazard assessment or developing a comprehensive fall protection plan, thinking about fall hazards before work begins will help manage hazards and prevent construction falls.

Fall Prevention Resources: