Accidents Related to Unprotected Edges of Elevated Work Surfaces

Consider the following accidents:

• Standing on a tilt-up concrete wall, an ironworker was throwing out bridging. He was wearing a harness and lanyard but was not tied off. He fell 30 feet to the ground and sustained crushing injuries to his spine. As a result, he is permanently paralyzed below the chest.
• Working on a second-story roof, a worker was preparing the roof for installation of new materials. He stepped through the removed skylight opening, which was covered only with felt paper. He fell approximately 24 feet to a tile-covered concrete floor and was hospitalized with a head fracture. He was not using any kind of personal fall arrest system (PFAS).

The first accident could have been prevented if the ironworker was properly tied off. The second accident could have been prevented if the skylight had the required covering, which means capable of supporting at least twice the weight of the employees and materials that may be imposed on it. A PFAS could also have prevented the second accident.

When you work at elevation, your employer is responsible for providing you with appropriately fitted fall protection. Your employer must also train you on how to use it. After that, it is up to you to use the fall protection provided. It is also your responsibility to speak up when work conditions do not adhere to OSHA regulations.

Do not take chances - the life you save may be your own.

To learn more about Fall Protection visit our Construction Fall Protection Online Training web page.