Fall hazard control observed on residential construction sites

Abstract

Background Falls are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the construction industry. This study measured fall hazards at residential construction sites. Methods Trained carpenters administered the St. Louis Audit of Fall Risks and interviewed carpenters. The prevalence of fall prevention practices meeting safety criteria was counted and correlations explored. Results We identified a high prevalence of fall hazards at the 197 residential sites audited. Roof sheathing met safety criteria most consistently (81%) and truss setting least consistently (28%). Use of personal fall arrest and monitoring of unguarded floor openings were rare. Safer performance on several scales was correlated. Construction sites of largesized contractors were generally safer than smaller contractors. Apprentice carpenters were less familiar with their employers' fall prevention plan than experienced workers. Conclusions Safety could be improved with consistent use of recognized fall prevention practices at residential construction sites.

Fatal Falls Among Older Construction Workers

“…Although OSHA fall protection rules have been in effect for many years, these regulations have not been applied to workers engaged in certain residential construction activities until very recently (OSHA, 2010). This study confirms previous findings that lack of specific fall prevention may contribute to the higher rates of fall deaths in residential construction (Kaskutas et al, 2009;Lipscomb, Dale, Kaskutas, Sherman-Voellinger, & Evanoff, 2008;Sa et al, 2009) and supports the recent OSHA enforcement in the residential construction industry.…”

Nonfatal tool‐ or equipment‐related injuries treated in US emergency departments among workers in the construction industry, 1998–2005

“…These findings are consistent with other reports [Myers and Trent, 1988;Smith et al, 2006;Lipscomb and Jackson, 2007]. The morbidity associated with falls from ladders among construction workers, as well as the risk of ladder use, are also well-established [Lipscomb et al, 2003c;Smith et al, 2006;CPWR, 2007;Kaskutas et al, 2009]. However, the relative contribution of specific tools and pieces of equipment to ED-treated injuries among this population of workers is quite interesting and provides clear guidance for needed injury prevention efforts.…”

Rates of and circumstances surrounding work-related falls from height among union drywall carpenters in Washington State, 1989–2008

“…However, FFH continue to constitute a considerable proportion of work-related injuries among construction workers, and drywall installers remain at high risk. Of particular concern are falls from scaffolds and ladders, and these data support the need-as called for by others (Kaskutas et al, 2009;Nelson, Kaufman, LKalat, & Silverstein, 1997;Shishlov et al, 2010)-to enforce existing standards and practices that relate fall prevention from these surfaces. There is also a need to address fall hazards associated with drywall installers' work on stilts, for which little attention-from both epidemiologic and regulatory perspectives-has been given.…”