New OSHA Initiative Targets Fall Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries, accounting for 680 fatalities in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the most frequently cited OSHA violations in the construction industry are related to falls.  Due to the prevalence of this issue, OSHA has launched a national emphasis program to reduce workplace falls.

According to an OSHA National News Release, the new initiative will be launched alongside the 10^th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction and Construction Safety Week. With the new initiative, OSHA compliance safety and health officers will be able to open an inspection whenever they observe people working at heights. The program will also provide outreach and education to employers to promote safety. OSHA’s area and regional offices will be required to develop and implement a comprehensive fall prevention awareness outreach program. These outreach programs must be provided for 90 days prior to beginning inspections under the national emphasis program. Additional outreach must also be provided quarterly.

OSHA’s Fall Prevention webpage states that employers are required to:

• Provide working conditions that are free of known dangers.
• Keep floors in work areas in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition.
• Select and provide required personal protective equipment at no cost to workers.
• Train workers about job hazards in a language that they can understand.

While these requirements are already in place, OSHA hopes that the new initiative will bring about greater collaboration to promote safety. Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Doug Parker states, “Working together, OSHA and employers in all industries can make lasting changes to improve worker safety and save lives.”

Promoting safety in the workplace is a group effort. Employers and employees must both be committed to following safety procedures. When procedures are not being followed or when new hazards emerge, employees must be encouraged to speak up.

Implementing and promoting the use of a third-party hotline, such as Red Flag Reporting, demonstrates to employees that their input is valued and heard. Under these conditions, organizations can maximize safety and productivity.

Want to know more on preventing OSHA recordable and reportable events?  See our article here.