With so many tall buildings being constructed in New York, construction companies must keep their workers safe. If not, it could lead to workers in the construction industry falling from heights. Here’s more information about why falls on construction sites are dangerous and sometimes deadly.
The deadly nature of falls in the construction industry
From 2012 to 2016, OSHA looked at data involving injuries in the construction industry. The results of this research found that construction workers commonly suffer from overexertion and bodily reaction-related injuries. The study also found that falls are by far the deadliest injury that happens to construction workers. An updated report from OSHA found that slip-and-fall accidents resulted in about 35% of all occupational deaths taking place from 2017 to 2018.
The main thing that makes falls deadlier than other workplace injuries is the wide range of injuries these accidents can cause. Whereas some construction incidents slightly injure one part of the body, falls often cause severe injuries throughout the body and frequently result in death. Depending on what body parts a worker lands on, even a fall from several feet can result in a fatality.
How employees and companies can prevent falls
Considering that most construction companies don’t want to deal with dangerous accidents and workers’ compensation claims, many do their part to prevent workplace injuries. The main factors that can help prevent fall-related injuries on construction sites are giving workers access to safety equipment and providing them with on-the-job training.
Falls remain the most dangerous type of injury that happens on construction sites. If you work in this industry, stay careful and pay attention to avoid falling while working on a construction project.