WORKPLACE FALLS
Falls account for over 1/3 of all construction accident deaths, and 1/3 of those are falls from roofs. Fall protection is part of an employer’s duty to provide employees a safe place to work. Fall protection is required by OSHA. 29 CFR 1926.501 specifically sets forth the fall protection requirements. According to OSHA, Employers must set up the work place to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls. OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoreman operations. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance.
Forms of protection from falling required by OSHA include, but may not be limited to:
- guardrail systems,
- stair railings and hand rails
- safety net systems,
- covers,
- toe-boards,
- fences,
- barricades,
- personal fall arrest systems.
The best form of protection depends on the situation. OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign and OSHA’s Fall Protection are good places for employers with questions about fall protection to start their research. To assist in identifying , reducing, and eliminating construction-related hazards, OSHA has also published a number of Prevention Videos.
If you are a worker that believes your employer is not following OSHA standards or that there are serious hazards, employees can file a complaint online with OSHA or by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
We have experience with accidents involving falls and lack of fall protection, and if you have been seriously injured or have lost a loved one and need a Texas accident attorney, please do not hesitate to give East Texas Attorney, Chris Jones, Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law, a call at 903-236-4990 for a free initial consultation or send us a message at Contact Us.
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