Study Offers New Insight into Construction Fall Accidents
Falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities. If you work in construction, you know firsthand how an employer focuses on fall prevention. And though some of the safety measures may seem inconvenient, they are put into practice with good reason—to save your life.
A new study from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) Data Center indicates that falls from roofs, in particular, should be an area of concern. 
According to the report, “Fatal Falls from Roofs Among U.S. Construction Workers,” falls from roofs accounted for one-third of all fall-related construction deaths in the years 1992 through 2009.
“While roof injuries occur among many construction occupations and sectors, this study confirmed that roofing and residential construction sectors have a much higher risk of falls from roofs than any other construction sectors,” said the study. “All roofing contractors should have a written fall protection program that specifies what type of fall prevention is provided.”
The written fall protection program should also feature adequate training for workers and enforcement details, according to the study.
The group found that in the roofing industry, 76% of deaths are attributed to fall accidents. But while the prevalence is most pronounced in roofing jobs, falls occur in other areas of construction as well. Of more than 20,000 construction deaths from 1992-2009, they found that approximately one-third were attributed to falls, and of these more than 2,000 were falls from roofs.
They also report that smaller companies are more likely to experience fatal falls. This may be because smaller companies have less comprehensive safety programs in place. They also noted that companies in the South are more likely to have fall fatalities. While it isn’t certain, this could be due to the extended construction season that puts more workers at risk for more months out of the year.
Still, whether you are a roofer or a welder—no matter what type of construction work you do– the risk is always present. Taking precautions to keep yourself safe will help reduce your risk of having a serious accident, but you can only do so much.
Ginarte Construction Accident Lawyers
When you are seriously injured on a construction job site, the construction accident lawyers of Ginarte may be able to help. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and more. Contact our offices today to discuss your case by calling (888) GINARTE.
