According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the most common cause of fatal construction site accidents. In May 2021, a construction worker was killed in a fall in Queens just days after one worker died and another suffered injuries in a fall at a construction site in the Bronx.
Review these fall prevention strategies to stay safe if you work in construction.
Know the OSHA guidelines
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires construction employers to:
- Provide fall prevention equipment at elevations of at least 6 feet, such as a handrail, stair railing, safety net, or safety line and harness
- Provide toeboards and guardrails at all heights from which workers could fall onto equipment or machines and at all open-sided runways, platforms or floors
- Use floor hole covers or railings and toe boards to cover all such holes
File a report with OSHA if you work at a site without these measures.
Prepare for work involving elevation
If you must ascend a roof, scaffold or ladder at your job, make sure you have the proper training. In outdoor situations, review weather conditions to ensure safety. Have a partner and accompany one another on jobs involving elevation. Try out your safety gear before you climb and let your employer know if it does not fit or work correctly.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious or fatal injury in a New York construction site fall, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits to cover costs such as medical expenses and lost wages.