Construction sites are known for their inherent hazards, and falls from heights represent a significant cause of severe accidents and death. There are many causes of falls from heights:
a. Lack of Fall Protection Systems: Failure to provide or utilize fall protection systems, including missing or inadequate guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.
b. Inadequate Training and Supervision: Insufficient training in fall prevention strategies, as well as inadequate supervision and enforcement of safety protocols.
c. Unstable Working Surfaces: Working on unstable or improperly constructed scaffolding, platforms, or ladders.
d. Hazardous Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or high winds, can create slippery surfaces and increase the risk of falls.
e. Improper scaffold construction: Scaffolds that are poorly built, lack proper bracing, or are not erected on solid footing can collapse or become unstable. This also includes using mobile scaffolds without locking the wheels.
f. Defective or misused ladders: Using a portable ladder incorrectly, such as working from the top rungs or failing to properly secure it, can cause it to slip or become unstable. Ladders that are cracked, broken, or have slippery rungs are also a serious hazard.
g. Lack of personal fall arrest systems: These systems, which include a full-body harness, lanyard, and anchor point, are designed to prevent a worker from hitting the ground during a fall. However, accidents happen when workers do not use the equipment provided, use it incorrectly, or if the equipment is defective.
h. Slippery surfaces: Rain, snow, ice, or even spills like oil and paint can create slippery conditions on walkways and platforms.
i. Cluttered work areas: Tools, materials, and debris scattered on elevated surfaces are common tripping hazards that can cause a worker to stumble and fall.
j. Worker distraction: Pressures to meet deadlines can lead to workers rushing or multitasking, which can compromise their awareness of potential fall hazards.
Conducting regular safety inspections help identify potential hazards, and prompt action is essential to maintain a safe working environment. Also, workers must be trained on safe work practices and the proper use of equipment. Education and training empower workers to recognize and mitigate fall risks through safe practices and proper equipment
