Falls are a persistent hazard across various industries, with alarming statistics underscoring their prevalence and impact on worker safety. Following highway crashes and intentional injuries by persons falls to a lower level represent the third leading fatal workplace event and the fifth leading cause of Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) and Days Away from Work (DAFW) cases.
The latest data indicates that in 2022 alone, 700 workers lost their lives due to falls, and over 129,000 DART cases (including 92,010 DAFW cases) were reported across 2021-2022. In the United Kingdom, the recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report also revealed that workplace safety is not improving as fatalities have stayed consistent with pre-pandemic levels, with 138 work-related deaths in the UK from April 2023 to March 2024.
1. Common Causes of Falling
Falls at worksites are attributed to various factors, often involving unsafe practices, hazardous environments, or inadequate safety measures. Understanding these causes can aid in developing effective prevention strategies.
a. Improper Use of Equipment
Inadequate or improper use of ladders, scaffolds, and harnesses significantly contributes to fall incidents. Workers often neglect to check the stability of ladders or bypass safety harness requirements, leading to increased risks, particularly when working at heights.
b. Slippery and Uneven Surfaces
Slips due to wet, greasy, or uneven surfaces are another major contributor to falls. Water, oil spills, and unmarked hazards on floors can lead to slips, especially when workers are unaware of these conditions or do not have proper footwear.
c. Lack of Guardrails and Barriers
Guardrails, barriers, and edge protection are critical safety measures, especially in industries like construction. When these are missing or improperly installed, workers are more prone to fall from heights, causing serious or fatal injuries.
d. Inadequate Training and Awareness
Training plays a significant role in fall prevention. Workers who lack proper training on fall risks, equipment usage, and safety protocols are more likely to encounter fall-related accidents. Unfortunately, in many cases, workplaces overlook or provide minimal training on fall safety.
e. Poor Lighting Conditions
Insufficient lighting in work areas can obscure hazards, such as floor holes, cables, or uneven surfaces. Low visibility increases the likelihood of trips and falls, particularly in warehouses and industrial settings with complex layouts.
f. Weather-Related Factors
Outdoor construction workers face added risks from slippery surfaces in bad weather, underscoring the need for effective safety protocols.
2. Industries Most Susceptible to Falling
Certain industries are more vulnerable to falls due to the nature of their work environments. Here are a few sectors where falls are particularly common and often result in severe outcomes.
a. Construction
Construction remains one of the deadliest industries, with 51 worker fatalities due to falls in the UK in 2023/24 alone. The frequent need for working at heights, handling complex equipment, and moving across uneven surfaces contribute to this high-risk environment. Globally, falls are responsible for a significant proportion of injuries and fatalities in construction, making safety regulations and training essential.
b. Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing
Falls are a major concern in agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors, where uneven terrains, heavy machinery, and outdoor conditions add to the risk. The UK reported a fatal injury rate of 7.51 per 100,000 workers in these industries, substantially higher than in other sectors.
c. Manufacturing
With machinery, narrow pathways, and complex layouts, the manufacturing industry is also susceptible to falls. While the industry sees fewer height-related incidents compared to construction, slip, and trip hazards are common due to wet floors, oil spills, and debris in work areas.
d. Warehouse and Logistics
Falls are frequent in warehouses, where workers deal with high racks, forklifts, and narrow aisles. Inadequate guardrails, slippery floors, and poor lighting contribute to high fall incidents in this industry.
These industries exemplify the environments where fall hazards are most prevalent, necessitating tailored safety protocols for effective prevention.
3. How to Prevent Falls at Worksites
Preventing falls requires a combination of training, safety equipment, hazard assessments, and strict adherence to safety standards. Here are several measures that can significantly reduce fall risks at worksites.
a. Comprehensive Training Programs
Training workers on fall risks, proper equipment usage, and emergency protocols is fundamental. Regular training ensures workers are well-versed in safety practices and able to recognize and mitigate potential hazards. Employers can enhance safety by incorporating fall protection training in their regular safety meetings.
b. Using Appropriate Safety Equipment
Equipment like harnesses, guardrails, and barriers is essential for fall prevention. Workers performing tasks at height should always use harnesses or other personal fall arrest systems. Ensuring that ladders, scaffolds, and other equipment are well-maintained and meet safety standards is also crucial.
c. Routine Safety Inspections
Regular inspections of work areas help identify hazards such as slippery floors, uneven surfaces, or unprotected edges. Inspections also ensure that equipment like guardrails and ladders are functional and that safety protocols are being followed.
d. Implementing Housekeeping Measures
Keeping work areas clean and clutter-free can prevent many trip-related falls. This includes regular removal of debris, proper storage of materials, and quick response to spills. For areas prone to spills, installing slip-resistant mats or covering wet areas with anti-slip flooring is beneficial.
e. Ensuring Proper Lighting
Adequate lighting in work areas is essential, particularly in environments where visibility might be compromised. Proper illumination reduces the risk of missing hazards and is especially important in warehouses, construction sites, and other dimly lit spaces.
f. Implementing Weather-Related Protocols
For outdoor work, addressing weather-related hazards is vital. Workplaces can provide non-slip footwear for employees, cover slippery areas, and create designated walkways to ensure safety during inclement weather. Establishing protocols for delaying outdoor tasks in severe weather can also be a proactive step.
g. Regular Risk Assessments
Conducting risk assessments before starting work activities is a proactive approach to identifying potential fall hazards. By evaluating specific risks and tailoring preventive measures, workplaces can reduce the likelihood of fall-related incidents.
Conclusion
Falls at worksites remain a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. With over 700 fall-related deaths in 2022 and thousands of non-fatal injuries each year, the statistics emphasize the critical need for fall prevention measures. In the UK, fatal workplace injuries remain high, especially in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Improved safety measures, like proper training, equipment use, and inspections, are essential. Prioritizing safety beyond regulations can significantly reduce fall-related risks, creating a safer work environment for all employees.