On job sites across the country, all sorts of hazards can claim lives and leave workers with permanent challenges. A few examples include malfunctioning equipment, exposure to harmful chemicals and falling objects. That said, many workers and their families have gone through incredible suffering as a result of falls, which have left many workers hurt or dead. If you work in the construction industry, you should try to identify any risks that may cause a worker to fall and address or report them at once.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s site, there are many ways that construction workers fall on the job. For example, someone may fall through an opening that is not adequately guarded or covered. Or, workers may fall through an opening in the wall or slide off of a roof that is steep. Other hazards include falling off of a ladder or scaffolding or falling down on a slippery surface. Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from harm and those who fail to take care of workers should be held answerable for any injuries or fatalities that were avoidable.
Falls can be prevented in various ways. For example, those working in high places may be able to avoid a fall by using a fall arrest system. Workers should be properly trained and vigilant and any potential dangers should be properly guarded. In some cases, safety nets, guardrails and other precautionary measures can be taken to decrease the chances of a worker falling to his or her death or sustaining injuries.
