Falls from heights
A laborer pouring concrete on a job in Seattle, Washington, fell, impaling himself on an exposed rebar.

Although he lived, he was never to work as a laborer again. In examining the site after the fall, investigators found that there were no guardrails, toe-boards or fall protection.

Clearly, this fall was preventable.

Construction workers suffer over 200,000 disabling injuries from falls each year. A two-year study indicates that falls from work platforms and scaffolds account for one out of 5 on-the-job deaths of LIUNA members (and is the third most common cause).

The Hazards
When working on elevated surfaces (e.g., scaffold, steel beams, etc.), always be aware of the hazards. If any of the following conditions exist, report them to your foreman for corrective action:

• Defective ladders, scaffolds, and fall protection equipment.
• Unguarded/improperly guarded scaffolds and floor openings.
• Inadequate lighting or visibility.
• Uneven or slippery walking surfaces.
• Poor housekeeping.
• Keep work areas free of debris.
• Do NOT run or participate in horseplay.
• Make sure that floor openings are covered or guarded.
• Do NOT carry loads up ladders; always hoist loads to the work area.
• Wear fall protection (safety belt, lanyard, or harness). New and approved fall protection equipment that is more comfortable, less confining and more protective is available.
• Stairs should have handrails, be in good repair, have adequate lighting and be free from debris.
• Verify that scaffolds have guardrails and toe-boards.

Caution: A fall can disable you for life. It can even cost you your life. Protect yourself from falls by being aware of the hazards, taking precautions and respecting heights.

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