OSHA working to prevent construction falls

On behalf of Michael Vanasse at Vanasse Law LLC

Construction work can be a very dangerous job. Construction workers regularly face a whole host of risks from hazards like power tools, blades and heavy objects. Perhaps the biggest risk, however, is faced by construction workers who have to work from significant heights. Working more than six feet off the ground — be it on a roof, ladder, scaffold or other elevated surface — significantly increases the chances that a construction worker will be seriously injured if he or she falls.

In fact, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers in the United States. In 2010 alone, 264 construction workers died after falling from heights. Countless others were disabled or seriously injured.

Preventing fall accidents

In an effort to address this problem, OSHA is working with construction employers to improve safety on job sites throughout the country. The agency recommends a three-pronged strategy of planning for project safety, providing the appropriate tools and equipment, and training workers to avoid falls.

For the first part, OSHA recommends that employers plan for fall protection at the start of the project. When deciding how a job will be done, they should also evaluate the safety risks and determine what kind of protective equipment will be needed. The cost of this equipment should be factored into the overall project budget.

Of course, this plan does little if the right equipment isn’t actually provided. Every person who works from heights should be provided with a safety harness. In addition, ladders should be of the correct type and height, and scaffolding should be regularly inspected to ensure it is in good condition.

Finally, workers need to be trained on how to approach the job safely. They should be taught how to use their equipment properly and how to recognize and mitigate hazards before they cause an accident. OSHA provides significant training resources that employers can for this purpose.

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits

Unfortunately, even the most conscientious approaches toward safety cannot prevent every single accident. When injuries occur, Pennsylvania law allows workers to seek benefits through the state workers’ compensation system.

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law provides medical benefits and wage loss coverage for workers who are injured in on-the-job accidents or who develop occupational diseases. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that injured workers do not have to prove that their employers were negligent in order to recover benefits. In addition, workers can recover benefits even if they were partially at fault for causing the accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured at work, talk to an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney who can help you protect your rights.