Prevention of Falls from Elevations in the Construction Industry

James D. McGlothlin¹

Abstract

More than a million people suffer from a slip, trip or falling injury each year. Slips, trips and falls account for 15 to 20% of all workers' compensation cases, with older construction workers having a higher percentage of falls compared to younger construction workers. This study investigated construction companies that have strong safety programs and low "falls from elevations" incidence rates. The investigation had two study purposes: The first purpose was to investigate the relationship between safety program effectiveness among construction companies with low incidence of falls from elevations. The second purpose was to develop an information database on work risk factors associated with falls from elevations among active and retired construction workers. Findings to date, indicate that companies with exemplary fall prevention programs can reduce and prevent work-related falls, and that targeting good work practices, using proper personal protective equipment, and engineering controls can reduce risk factors associated with falls during construction. One of the more unique aspects of this study was the collaborative efforts with researchers from the Construction Industry Institute (CII)/University of Texas, the University of Florida, and the University of Cincinnati to examine the fall risk factors associated with older construction workers. Results from this collaborative effort will shed light on how to prevent falls among older workers in the construction trade.

Ph.D. C.P.E., School of Health Sciences, Purdue University

Division of Construction Engineering and Management Purdue University 1235 Civil Eng. Bldg. West Lafayette, IN 47907 Ph:(765)496-2742 Fax:(765)494-0644
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