Government safety regulators have issued a fall prevention fact sheet to support construction companies participating in the sixth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolds injure New Jersey workers every year. Over 300 construction workers around the country on average lose their lives annually because of falls. The fact sheet from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health highlights fall prevention procedures and encourages employers to ensure that all workers receive proper safety training.
According to NIOSH guidance, workers on roofs need a fall prevention plan before climbing the ladder. Employers should issue appropriate safety gear and train workers in the use of restraint systems. Workers should use the buddy system to watch out for hazards and alert each other to danger. Keeping an eye on the weather promotes safety as well in high places.
Safety on ladders starts with using the right type of ladder for the job and positioning it on level and stable ground. Workers should face the ladder and keep both feet and at least one hand in contact with the rungs.
Scaffolds produce many serious accidents. A person trained to erect scaffolds should always supervise their setup. Workers must adhere to the manufacturer’s directions when building scaffolds and make sure that their placement and use comply with standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
A person concerned about insufficient safety at work could ask an attorney for advice. This could be especially important if the person was injured on the job because the employer might try to hide the circumstances that led to the accident. An attorney might overcome interference when the worker applies for workers’ compensation benefits.