Falls are one of the leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries at construction worksites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slips, trips and falls account for over 20% of construction worker deaths every year. However, many of these incidents can be prevented through proper training, attention and mindfulness. This article explores the primary causes of slips, trips and falls in construction and provides actionable strategies that contractors and workers can implement to foster safer worksites.

The Dangers of Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls may seem harmless, but they can lead to severe and even fatal injuries. Falling from ladders, scaffolding and rooftops can obviously result in major trauma. However, even falling on the same level can lead to injuries like fractures, torn ligaments, concussions, back injuries and more. These incidents also often result in lost work time and disability claims, creating financial and productivity burdens for contractors.

While experiences may vary, here are some statistics that highlight the dangers of falls in construction:

  • Slips, trips and falls cause over 300,000 injuries and over 800 deaths per year at construction sites.
  • 20% of fall accidents result in injuries that require 31+ days away from work.
  • Fall injuries account for 1/3 of all non-fatal construction injuries involving days away from work.
  • Fall-related fatalities account for around 38% of construction worker deaths.
  • 20% of worker compensation costs are associated with slip, trip and fall injuries.

Clearly, falls present one of the biggest safety risks that construction workers face. However, knowledge and preparation can significantly reduce this threat.

Understanding Slips and Trips

To prevent falls, it’s important to understand what causes slips and trips in the first place. Trips occur when a person’s foot collides with an object or surface, causing them to lose balance and fall. Trips often result from:

  • Debris, materials or tools blocking walkways
  • Exposed rebar or wiring
  • Damaged flooring or walking surfaces
  • Lack of lighting or visibility

Slips happen when there is insufficient friction between a person’s shoe and the walking surface. This causes their feet to slide out from under them. Common causes of slips include:

  • Wet, icy or greasy floors
  • Loose materials like sand or gravel
  • Mud, oil and grease accumulation
  • Slippery surfaces like tile, concrete or metal

The risks of slips and trips also increase when carrying heavy loads or moving quickly. Momentum causes the body to keep moving when feet are obstructed. Maintaining awareness and control of one’s movements is key to preventing falls.

Strategies to Prevent Slips and Trips

While slips and trips are usually sudden and unexpected, worksites can take many proactive measures to reduce their likelihood. Here are some best practices for preventing falls due to slips and trips:

  • Encourage employees to take their time and be mindful when walking around the worksite, especially when carrying equipment. Rushing increases risks.
  • Keep walkways and work areas clear of obstructions, tools, materials and debris. Designate storage areas away from high-traffic zones.
  • Clean up spills immediately and use absorbents on oily or greasy floors. Allow time for floors to fully dry before resuming work.
  • Provide adequate lighting in all work zones, whether indoors or outdoors. Replace burnt out bulbs promptly.
  • Cover slick surfaces like freshly painted floors with non-slip mats or work in alternative areas until dry.
  • Use gravel, sand or salt to improve traction in outdoor areas prone to mud or ice buildup.
  • Install adequate drainage and sump pumps to reduce standing water.
  • Be mindful of entryways where concrete meets asphalt or areas where old floors meet new floors, as height differences can cause tripping.
  • Look out for loose flooring, exposed nails in wood, or damaged concrete that could catch a worker’s foot. Block access until repaired.
  • Keep ramps and stairwells clear of clutter and check that railings are secure.
  • Encourage workers to wear slip-resistant footwear with textured soles and low heels. Boots should provide ankle support as well.

Maintaining an organized worksite and being proactive about addressing slip and trip hazards is key to preventing falls. But preparation does not end there.

Safe Practices for Working at Heights

In addition to slips and trips, falls from elevation present another major risk. OSHA estimates that falls from stairs, ladders, scaffolds, roofs and other heights account for around a third of all construction fall fatalities. Strict adherence to safe work practices is essential when working above ground level. Here are some guidelines:

  • Ensure ladders are placed on stable, even surfaces and extend at least 3 feet above landing points. Maintain 3 points of contact when climbing.
  • Wear and attach the proper fall arrest equipment when using lifts or working near unprotected sides and edges. Conduct regular inspections.
  • Assemble scaffolding correctly, with adequate planking fully secured. Do not modify or remove components.
  • Cover or guard floor openings, skylights and holes immediately. Use proper fall protection when accessing.
  • Follow safe practices when working on roofs, including using harnesses and guards around openings.
  • When lifting heavy loads to elevated work areas, use mechanical means like cranes instead of carrying.
  • Set up signs or barricades to warn others of fall hazards like unprotected sides and openings.
  • Do not use makeshift platforms like pallets or stilts to reach heights. Use proper ladders or lifts.

Falls become more likely when proper equipment, guards and supports are not used. Complying with safety guidelines, using harnesses and barriers, maintaining three points of contact, and avoiding unnecessary risks are all critical for working at heights.

Responding to Fall Emergencies

If a serious fall does occur, it is vital to respond appropriately. Here is a quick summary of how to assist victims after falls:

  • Call 911 immediately if the victim appears unconscious or badly injured. Do not attempt to move them.
  • If the victim is conscious, keep them calm and still until medical help arrives. Watch for signs of shock.
  • Stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. Do not remove objects impaled in wounds.
  • If no spinal injury is suspected, place victim on their back with legs elevated.
  • Do not remove a victim’s helmet or protective equipment in case of head, neck or spinal injuries.
  • Monitor airway passages in case victim vomits or bleeds from the mouth.
  • Provide first aiders with details about the incident like the height and surface fallen on.

Getting immediate medical attention can be critical for recovery. However, staying with the victim, keeping them still and comfortable until EMTs arrive is vital as well.

Maintaining Stability and Balance

To avoid falls, it’s important to understand how our bodies maintain stability and balance. When standing, walking or working, our center of gravity – the point where body weight is evenly distributed – must stay over the base of support provided by our feet.

Several factors affect stability:

  • Height and body shape. Shorter people have a lower center of gravity and more natural stability.
  • Posture. Slouching and reaching extends one’s center of gravity, decreasing stability. Stay upright with arms at sides.
  • Load carrying. Carrying items higher up or away from the body raises the center of gravity and throws off balance. Keep loads low and close to the body.
  • Walking speed. Moving quickly builds momentum, making it harder to react to slips or trips. Go at a controlled pace.

Being mindful of these factors can optimize stability and help prevent falls when moving around a worksite.

Safely Reacting to Falls

Despite best efforts, slips and trips still occur. Knowing how to react when falls happen can reduce potential injuries:

  • Stay loose and relaxed. Do not tense up or try to catch yourself.
  • Allow joints to bend and muscles to absorb impact gradually.
  • Roll with the momentum of the fall rather than fighting it.
  • Avoid using hands to break falls. This can lead to wrist, arm and shoulder injuries.
  • Land on fleshy body parts like the shoulder, hip or thigh to disperse impact.
  • Twist to avoid landing on your head, neck or tailbone.

While falls should always be avoided, reacting appropriately can minimize injuries if they do occur. Being prepared and not panicking can save workers from severe harm.

Conclusion

Slips, trips and falls present a major hazard on construction sites. However, knowledge of what causes these incidents, adherence to proper work practices, and quick response when emergencies occur can significantly reduce risks and prevent severe injuries. Maintaining safe, orderly worksites, using appropriate safety equipment, moving mindfully and staying focused are all key to avoiding fall accidents. With proper diligence and training, contractors can keep their teams safe and falls to an absolute minimum.

Slips, trips, and falls represent not only a significant risk to construction workers’ lives and well-being but also a burden on productivity and compensation costs. Yet, these risks can be mitigated, and safety can be ensured. The key lies in education and the implementation of safe practices. That’s why it’s vital to explore new avenues for training, such as our “Slips, Trips and Falls in Construction Environments” online courses, designed to empower workers with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent these accidents.

Don’t let slips, trips, and falls dictate your construction site’s fate! They account for a staggering 17% of disabling injuries and 15% of fatalities on the job. But with our “Slips, Trips and Falls in Construction Environments” full-length interactive course, these numbers can change for the better.

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Slips Trips and Falls in Construction Environments – Online Safety Training