Fall-Related Deaths in the Construction Industry

Occupational Safety and Health Administration fatality inspection records were examined in this study to identify potential causes for occupational falls that resulted in death. Proportionate mortality ratios identified significantly higher proportions of deaths resulting from falls off ladders in electrical trades and plumbing and heating trades (p <. 01). The highway and streets trade had a significantly higher proportion of deaths resulting from falls from improper work surfaces, such as from the top of moving vehicles (p < .01). Three trades had significantly lower proportions of deaths resulting from falls from various causes. The electrical work trade had a significantly lower proportion of deaths from falls due to a lack of fall protection, whereas the roofing trade had significantly lower proportion of deaths resuting from falls from improper work surfaces (p < .01), and the masonry trade had a significantly lower proportion of deaths caused by falls from ladders (p < .05). With the increased risk of death from a fall identified for various industries, fall prevention strategies can be best identified and implemented. These measures include identifying potential fall hazards, proper selection and use of fall protection systems, and employee training on fall hazards in the workplace.