In an effort to curb the number of workplace injuries and fatalities resulting from falls, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently launched a fall protection emphasis program. This initiative aims to bolster safety measures in various industries and protect workers from the dangers of working at heights.

OSHA’s National Emphasis Program: A Response to a Rising Concern

Fall-related incidents have consistently ranked as the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries, particularly in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 5,190 fatal workplace injuries in 2021, 680 were associated with falls from elevations, accounting for about 13% of all deaths. OSHA’s construction industry fall protection standard (29 CFR §1926.501) remains the agency’s most frequently cited standard, cited 5,260 times in the fiscal year 2022.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced on May 1st that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration had begun a National Emphasis Program to prevent fall-related injuries and fatalities across all industries. The program is based on historical data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and OSHA enforcement history. Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker stated that the initiative aligns all of OSHA’s fall protection resources to combat one of the most preventable and significant causes of workplace fatalities.

Targeted Industries and Work Activities

While the construction industry remains a primary focus due to the high number of fall-related fatalities, the program also targets nonconstruction work activities.

These include:

• Arborist/tree trimming
• Chimney cleaning
• Communication towers
• Gutter cleaning
• Holiday light installation
• Power washing buildings
• Road sign and billboard maintenance
• Rooftop mechanical work or maintenance
• Utility line work or maintenance (electrical, cable)
• Window cleaning

OSHA hopes to significantly reduce or eliminate worker exposure to fall-related hazards in all industries through compliance assistance, employer outreach, and enforcement.

The Importance of Fall Protection Training

With the implementation of this emphasis program, employers increasingly need to invest in comprehensive fall protection training for their employees.

Proper training helps workers understand the risks associated with heights and equips them with the knowledge and skills to use fall protection equipment correctly.

Training should cover topics such as hazard identification, selecting and using appropriate fall protection systems, and the importance of regular equipment inspections. By investing in fall protection training, employers demonstrate their commitment to worker safety and create a safer work environment that could help reduce the number of fall-related injuries and fatalities.

Conclusion

OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on fall prevention is a significant step towards addressing the prevalent issue of fall-related injuries and fatalities in the workplace. The initiative aims to create lasting changes that improve worker safety across the board by targeting both construction and nonconstruction industries.

Employers must recognize the importance of this program and take proactive measures to ensure their employees are adequately protected from fall hazards. This includes providing comprehensive training programs, investing in appropriate fall protection equipment, and fostering a culture of safety within the organization.