Introduction to Walking-Working Surfaces - Construction

The construction industry is an inherently hazardous environment. Construction work often involves working around unprotected edges and unguarded openings, which are dangerous in the event of a slip, trip, or fall. In addition, falls into holes or pits can occur while workers are at ground level.

In 2013, 828 out of 4,101 worker fatalities, or 20.2%, were in construction. That means that one in five worker deaths were in the construction industry, and the leading cause of fatalities in construction is from falls. Of the 828 construction fatalities, 302 of them, or 36.5%, were from falls.

Fatalities and injuries resulting from falls from heights in construction are often preventable, and they usually result from issues such as a lack of identification of hazards, inadequate training, and insufficient application of proper risk control measures.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.