Lack of Fall Protection Results in Serious Injuries

OSHA has reported that a fall from heights is again the leading cause of injuries on construction sites. OSHA rules generally require that any work performed over six feet in height requires safety protection, such as guardrails, harnesses, ropes, or some method to prevent injuries.  In residential construction, roughly 29 percent of all fatalities on construction sites are the result of an unprotected fall.  In 2011, OSHA tightened the requirements with respect to fall protection on residential projects.  The requirements now include guardrails, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems.  The OSHA directive provides that all residential construction employees who are engaged in work at six feet or more above lower levels must comply with fall protection requirements.  David Michaels, assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, noted: ” No worker should have to pay with their life trying to make a living.” Construction workers that are injured should contact an attorney for counseling and representation.  Contact Bryan R. Snyder at [email protected], or at 619-752-1102