National Safety Stand-Down Week

Construction workers suffer a disproportionate number of injuries and fatalities on the job. Falls are the leading cause of death among these workers. Implementing strong safety practices can prevent injuries and save lives. The sixth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction campaign, held May 6 to 10, is sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The event provides employers and employees with resources and courses to promote safety and fall prevention in the industry.

Falls are the primary cause of fatalities for construction workers and make up one-third of all construction-related deaths. The number of residential construction workers suffering fatal injuries from falls more than doubled between 2011 and 2015, from 26 to 61. Workers over age 45 are most vulnerable to falling. Smaller construction companies, consisting of those with less than 10 employees, accounted for 61 percent of fatal falls. The following places that involve worker falls are from a:

• Roof
• Ladder
• Scaffolding
• Structural steel girder
• Non-moving vehicle
• Upper level to lower level
• Dock or ground level fall

Fall Prevention

Resources available during the campaign include information on preventing falls through skylights and holes. Between 2011 and 2016, 165 workers lost their lives by falling through a skylight or hole. There is also information on preventing falls from equipment as 74 workers fell off equipment to their deaths in the same period. “Aerial Lifts: Proper Use Prevents Falls” offers guidelines for safe use of aerial lifts, which caused 158 worker deaths between 2011 and 2017 and approximately 2,400 injuries. There is also information on putting together a rescue plan to deal with suspension trauma when a worker falls. Suspension trauma and death can occur in less than 10 minutes. An explanation of determining the right size lanyard for fall protection can help both employers and construction workers.

Safety Applications

Safety applications for construction workers include NIOSH’s ladder safety and another application that can measure hearing loss. Roughly one-quarter of construction workers suffer some degree of hearing loss, which can increase the risk of falling. According to NIOSH, hearing loss has been linked to three times the risk of falling.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims of Construction Accidents Claim the Compensation They Deserve

If you were injured on a construction site, you need the services of the experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law. We can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us online or call us at 215-426-4493 for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we represent clients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.