OSHA begins National Emphasis Program to prevent falls
In May, the Department of Labor announced the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun a National Emphasis Program to prevent falls, the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries and the agency’s most frequently cited violation in construction industry inspections.
The emphasis program focuses on reducing fall-related injuries and fatalities for people working at heights in all industries. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows of the 5,190 fatal workplace injuries in 2021, 680 were associated with falls from elevations—about 13% of all deaths.
The program establishes guidance for locating and inspecting fall hazards and allows OSHA compliance safety and health officers to open inspections whenever they observe someone working at heights. An outreach component of the program focuses on educating employers about effective ways to keep workers safe. If a compliance officer determines an inspection is not necessary after entering a worksite and observing work activities, he or she will provide outreach regarding fall protection and leave the site.
“This national emphasis program aligns all of OSHA’s fall-protection resources to combat one of the most preventable and significant causes of workplace fatalities,” says Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “Working together, OSHA and employers in all industries can make lasting changes to improve worker safety and save lives.”
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment. Please log in to leave a comment.