An incident occurred where a worker fell approximately 16 feet during the installation of a roof deck. The contractor claimed that the installation fell under the OSHA Controlled Decking Zone guidelines, meaning that the roof deck installation be no more than 90 feet from any leading edge to ensure proper safety. At the time of the incident, the project had installed pieces of decking approximately 206 feet from the nearest leading edge and contained 460 feet of hazardous falling edges, which was nearly 200 feet more than that recommended by OSHA.
Construction Industry Fall Accidents
Falls from construction sites are a major hazard in the construction industry. They are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury for workers in the construction industry. The dangers of construction site falls are numerous and include the risk of serious injury or death from falling from heights, the risk of falling objects, and the risk of accidents involving heavy machinery. Workers who work on roofs or high levels of a building are at the greatest risk of falling. Employers must take steps to protect their workers from falls by providing appropriate safety equipment, training, and monitoring to ensure that safe practices are followed. It is imperative that workers take all necessary precautions to prevent falls, including wearing appropriate safety gear and being aware of their surroundings at all times.