Page 24 - OHS, June 2024

FALL PROTECTION
Falls are a Major Occupational Threat — How Do I Protect
My People?
Occupational falls — often underestimated and primarily occurring at lower levels —
have become the second-leading cause of worker deaths, necessitating a tailored and
comprehensive approach to safety hazard mitigation across all industries.
BY GEN HANDLEY
Afall at work can be more dan- gerous than it seems. A major misconception of common slips, trips and falls is that they cause the most harm from tall heights and upper levels. The reality is that workers are more likely to die from the injuries experienced from falls at lower levels, which increased almost 3 percent according to the latest numbers on fatal occupational injuries.1 This data also found that fatalities from slips, trips and falls increased nearly 2 per- cent in 2022.
This makes occupational fall injuries the second-highest cause of worker deaths behind transportation incidents and a top safety priority for safety managers across all industries. The biggest challenge in address- ing the broad category of slips, trips and falls is mitigating the varying possible causes for a worker to slip, trip, fall and hurt themselves. Because a deadly slip can occur almost any- where, they need a customized, comprehen- sive approach to safety hazard mitigation, requiring various safety measures and pro- tocols in completely different ways.
The Threat of Falls at Work
This danger of falls is present in a range of circumstances that can be found in almost any sector or job. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health2 says fall incidents at work can frequently involve circumstances including:
■ Slippery, cluttered or unstable walk- ing/working surfaces
■ Unprotected edges
■ Floor holes and wall openings
■ Unsafely positioned ladders
■ Misused fall protection
However, the potential risk for a fall
hazard within the work environment can be more complicated than that, involving other factors such as cold weather and tem-
peratures,3 additional PPE and equipment and improper footwear.
The Impact of Falls at Work
When an employee falls and hurts them- selves at work, the consequences and re- quired time off can broadly range from a sprained ankle to a major head injury. These injuries hurt not only the employees themselves, but their surrounding loved ones and coworkers, sometimes creating a lasting emotional impact on their lives.
It also impacts the company and its operations, requiring the time off needed to recuperate and remedy the problem so that it does not occur again and hurt more employees. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s (NCCI) Workers Compensation Statistical Plan4 database, falls or slips were the third most costly lost-time workers’ compensa- tion claims from 2020 to 2021, after motor vehicle crashes and burns.
What Employers Can Do
Thankfully, employers are not completely powerless to the many distinct, potential slips and falls hazards in their workplaces. The key is to remain organized and proac- tive, recognizing what these hazards are and staying ahead of them before they harm a person doing their job.
Regular Fall Hazard Assessments
In order to stay ahead of occupational fall hazards, it’s key to assess them on a regular basis, documenting all existing as well as future dangers that could harm employees down the road. Fall hazards and risks can easily shift with changes in staff or weather. So, make sure assessments are conducted consistently or as needed.
Ongoing Safety Training
One of the most effective methods to pro- actively make sure people can perform their work around fall hazards safely is
22 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2024
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