Fall protection and safety is a major concern at construction sites. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites injuries from falls as one of the top 10 worksite hazards.

Falls and falling objects can result from unstable working surfaces, ladders that are not safely positioned, and misuse of fall protection. Workers are also subject to falls or the dangers of falling objects if sides and edges, floor holes, and wall openings are not protected. Any time you are working at a height of 6 feet or more on the construction site, you must be protected.

Unprotected Sides, Wall Openings, and Floor Holes

Almost all sites have unprotected sides and edges, wall openings, or floor holes at some point during construction. If these sides and openings are not protected, injuries from falls or falling objects may result. Use at least one of the following whenever you are exposed to a fall of 6 feet or more above a lower level:

• Guardrail systems
• Safety net systems
• Fall arrest systems

Additional Safety Precautions

• Cover or guard floor holes promptly after creating them.
• Construct floor hole covers so they will effectively support two times the weight of workers, equipment and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.
• Use fall prevention systems like guardrails rather than protection systems like safety nets or fall arrest devices.

Ladders

You also increase your chances of falling if you are using portable ladders that are not safely positioned each time you use them. While you are on a ladder, it may move or slip from its supports. You may also lose your balance while getting on and off an unsteady ladder.

Take the following fall protection measures when using ladders:

• Position portable ladders so side rails extend at least 3 feet above the landing.
• Secure side rails at the top to a rigid support and use a grab device when a 3-foot extension is not possible.
• Make sure that the weight on the ladder will not cause it to slip off its support.
• Inspect ladders for cracked, broken or defective parts prior to each use. If a ladder is broken, tag it as defective and remove it from service.