The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that 3,500 workers have died over the past decade from falls related to construction sites. Many of these accidents could have been prevented through more thorough training and intensive information programs about fall risks. A number of agencies have joined forces for a Construction Fall Safety Stand-Down to educate both employers and workers about the prevalence of these injuries and how to implement effective fall prevention strategies.
Construction site employees often have to work off the ground. Noise from equipment can drown out warnings. Tools and construction debris can hamper movement. Year after year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration finds that falls on construction sites are the leading cause of worker deaths. In 2014, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, along with OSHA and the Center for Construction Research and Training, joined together to institute the first Construction Fall Safety Stand-Down to encourage businesses and workers to reduce the incidence of workplace accidents.
In the first year of the effort, NIOSH estimates that 5,000 companies participated in the Stand-Down event from all 50 states and internationally, with a variety of programs to help companies understand federal safety regulation, recognize hazards and implement effective safety measures to prevent falls on the job and other accidents. Participating agencies have announced the second annual Construction Fall Safety Stand-Down to be held during the period of May 4 to 15 in 2015.
When injuries, pain or other work-related health problems occur, workers compensation insurance comes into play to pay for medical expenses and provide income while the worker is recovering. Hiring an attorney experienced in workers compensation law can help to ensure that the worker’s rights are fully protected.
Source: EHS Today, “Stand Tall, Stand Proud, Stand-Down for Fall Safety,” Sandy Smith, Feb. 18, 2015
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed