CPWR Study Reveals Insight into Falls in the Construction Industry

The construction industry consistently has a high incidence of falls to a lower level. In 2020 alone, 353 workers lost their lives due to these types of falls, emphasizing the urgent need for effective fall prevention measures. Fall protection has also been the most frequently cited violation of OSHA standards for the ninth consecutive year, indicating persistent challenges despite ongoing efforts to enhance awareness and compliance.

“Year after year, falls continue to be the leading cause of death in the construction industry,” said LHSFNA Management Co-Chairman David F. Rampone. “It is an employer’s responsibility to understand how falls happen, how to prevent them and to provide workers with all the tools and training necessary to stay safe on the job.”

Understanding the Causes of Falls

CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training conducted a comprehensive survey targeting individuals who have experienced, witnessed or investigated fall incidents. This initiative received backing from various organizations, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). The survey aimed to uncover the cause of fall accidents throughout the industry and improve fall prevention strategies.

Key Findings from the Survey

1. Inadequate Planning is a Major Contributor: Around 27 percent of respondents cited a lack of adequate planning as a significant underlying cause of falls. Insufficient or ineffective planning not only increases the risk of falls, but also correlates with a reduced likelihood of using any fall protection methods at all. Specifically, individuals whose employers did not engage in proper planning had a 71 percent lower likelihood of utilizing fall protection compared to those whose employers did.
2. Fall Protection Usage Gaps: Nearly half of respondents who experienced a workplace fall reported that no fall protection was in use at the time of accident. This statistic highlights the need for organizations to reinforce the importance of utilizing fall protection equipment and protocols.
3. Influence of Employee Beliefs: There is a strong link between employee perceptions of their company’s fall protection policies and actual compliance. Respondents who believed their employer required fall protection were eight times more likely to use it than those who did not hold that belief. This finding highlights the need for clear communication about safety policies and expectations within organizations.
4. The Importance of Rescue Training: The data also indicated that rescue training can significantly mitigate the severity of fall incidents. Those who received self-rescue training had a 76 percent less chance of suffering a fatal fall compared to those who lacked this training. Implementing rescue training programs can equip workers with the skills needed to respond effectively in emergency situations.
5. Risks for Subcontractor Employees: Workers employed by subcontractors face a substantially higher risk of fatal falls, being 2.7 times more likely to die from a fall compared to those working for general contractors. This gap shows the need for targeted safety interventions to ensure that subcontractor teams adhere to stringent safety protocols.

Recommendations for Improved Fall Prevention

To address the ongoing issue of falls in the construction industry, the following strategies are recommended:

• Enhance Planning Practices: Organizations must prioritize thorough planning before any work at heights. This includes conducting detailed risk assessments and establishing clear fall protection protocols for their work forces.
• Strengthen Communication: Regularly communicating the importance of fall protection policies and holding training sessions should reinforce the use of fall protection measures and clarify employer expectations.
• Implement Rescue Training: Investing in comprehensive self-rescue training programs can prepare workers for potential fall scenarios, thereby reducing the likelihood of fatal outcomes.
• Focus on Subcontractor Safety: Developing and enforcing stringent safety standards for subcontractors is recommended based on incident findings. Conducting regular audits and providing targeted safety training can ensure alignment with a general contractor’s practices.

Addressing fall hazards in the construction industry will require a multi-faceted approach and must be seen as collective responsibility with buy-in from everybody on the worksite. By understanding the cause of falls and implementing strategic changes, organizations can create a safer work environment with significantly less occurrence of injuries and fatalities. Continuous improvement in health and safety practices is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for safeguarding the well-being of all workers in the industry.

For assistance in safety planning or more information on fall prevention, reach out to the Occupational Safety & Health Division. In the meantime, consider checking out our fall prevention resource page.

[Nate Schreiber]