FORT RUCKER, Ala. (Oct. 22, 2018) - It may come as a surprise that the third-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2015, nearly 33,381 people died in falls at home and at work; and for working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death.
Hazards in the workplace
In 2014, 660 workers died in falls from a higher level, and 49,210 were injured badly enough to require days off of work. A worker doesn't have fall from a high level to suffer fatal injuries. While half of all fatal falls in 2014 occurred from 20 feet or lower, 12 percent were from less than 6 feet, according to the National Safety Council's Injury Facts 2017, the go-to source for injury and death statistics and their related cost to the workplace.
Construction workers are most at risk for fatal falls from height - more than seven times the rate of other industries. But falls can happen anywhere, even at a desk job. National Safety Council data for 2014 includes falls from height and falls on the same level, by industry:
• Construction: 22,330 injuries, 359 deaths
• Manufacturing: 23,290 injuries, 49 deaths
• Wholesale trade: 14,360 injuries, 30 deaths
• Retail trade: 29,530 injuries, 34 deaths
• Transportation and Warehousing: 23,780 injuries, 43 deaths
• Professional and business services: 23,140 injuries, 94 deaths
• Education and health services: 51,150 injuries, 21 deaths
• Government: 69,530 injuries, 41 deaths
Falls are 100 percent preventable
Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it's important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment. First, determine if working from a height is absolutely necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely.
• Discuss the task with co-workers and determine what safety equipment is needed.
• Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment.
• Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job.
• Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment.
• If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather.
• Use the correct tool for the job and use it as intended.
• Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open.
• Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder.
• Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface.
• A straight or extension ladder should be 1 foot away from the surface it rests on for every 4 feet of height and extend at least 3 feet over the top edge.
• Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support.
• Wear slip-resistant shoes and don't stand higher than the third rung from the top.
• Don't lean or reach while on a ladder and have someone support the bottom.
• Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use.
Millions of people are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year. A fall can end in death or disability in a split second, but with a few simple precautions, you'll be sure stay safe at work.
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