OSHA Launches New Fall Protection Initiative: What to Know

On May 1, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new National Emphasis Program to reduce and prevent falls in the workplace.

Falls have long been the leading cause of workplace injury and fatalities and OSHA is stepping up both enforcement efforts as well as outreach and education efforts.  Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that, of the 5,190 fatal workplace injuries in 2021, 680 were associated with falls from elevations.

Industries, like construction and roofing, that frequently have workers working above six feet shouldn’t be surprised if an OSHA inspector stops by a worksite for an inspection. Of particular note, general contractors who sub work out to sub-contractors need to ensure that the sub-contractors have adequate fall protection measures in place. In the event of non-compliance, the general contractor could be held responsible and fined.

All companies should be aware of the fall risks on worksites and the related requirements to keep them in compliance with OSHA regulations.

Looking for resources to help?

We’ve developed a Construction Safety Checklist that provides an overview of how to set yourself up for safety success from the onset. Access it below, and contact the risk management team at McClone to help you reduce your risks even further.