25 Mar Falls

Falls

Falls are one of the most serious hazards on a construction site. Unlike a cartoon character who walks away after falling into a canyon, real workers can suffer severe or fatal injuries from falls—even from relatively low heights.

Preventing falls starts with recognizing the hazards around you and correcting them before someone gets hurt.

Guide for Discussion

Ladders

• Select the correct type and length of ladder for the job.
• Inspect the ladder before use and remove damaged or defective ladders from service.
• Place ladders on stable, level surfaces unless they are properly secured against displacement.
• Secure ladders where necessary to prevent slipping or movement.
• Face the ladder when climbing or descending.
• Maintain three points of contact whenever possible.
• Keep your body between the side rails and never overreach. Climb down and reposition the ladder instead.
• Do not carry objects or loads that could cause you to lose your balance.
• When a portable ladder is used to access an upper landing, the side rails must generally extend at least 3 feet above the landing, or another OSHA-compliant means of securing and grasping the ladder must be provided.

Floor and Wall Openings

Unprotected openings can result in serious falls. Make sure:

• Floor and roof holes are properly guarded or covered.
• Covers are capable of supporting the loads that may be imposed on them.
• Covers are secured to prevent accidental displacement.
• Covers are clearly marked “HOLE” or “COVER” when required.
• Never remove a cover or guardrail unless authorized and appropriate alternative protection has been provided.
• Wall openings, open-sided floors, and incomplete stairways are properly protected when they create a fall hazard.

Never assume that a piece of plywood or other material lying over an opening is an approved protective cover.

Stairways

• Use provided handrails and stair rails.
• Watch where you are stepping.
• Keep your view of the stairs unobstructed.
• Walk—never run—on stairs.
• Do not use your phone or engage in other distracting activities while using stairs.
• Keep stairs and landings free of tools, cords, materials, and debris.
• Immediately report damaged steps, missing rails, poor lighting, or other unsafe conditions.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is an important part of fall prevention.

• Keep walkways, work areas, and access routes clear.
• Remove tools, cords, hoses, trash, and scrap materials from walking surfaces.
• Clean as you work rather than allowing debris to accumulate.
• Clean up or properly barricade spills promptly.
• Watch for mud, water, oil, grease, ice, snow, and other slippery conditions.
• Maintain adequate lighting in walking and working areas.

Footwear and Balance

Wear footwear appropriate for the work and walking surface. Shoes or boots should provide adequate traction and be maintained in good condition.

Never depend solely on your balance to protect you from a fall. If the work exposes you to a fall hazard, use the required guardrail, cover, fall restraint, personal fall arrest, or other appropriate fall-protection system.

Remember

Falls are preventable. Watch where you are going, use ladders correctly, protect openings, keep stairs and walking surfaces clear, and never ignore an unprotected fall hazard.

A few seconds spent correcting a hazard can prevent a life-changing injury.