© Copyright 2009, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. All rights reserved. 18871 01/09

Fall PreventionFalls are the leading cause of worker fatalities in the construction industry. In the United States, hundreds of workers are killed and more than 100,000 are injured in falls at construction sites. For this reason, regulatory standards have been developed which identify areas or activities where fall protection is needed. These include:

• Ramps, Runways, and Walkways• Hoist Areas, Floor Holes, and Floor Openings• Formwork and Reinforcing Steel• Leading Edge Work• Unprotected Sides and Edges• Roofing Work • Other Walking and Working Surfaces

Jacobs’ fall protection standard sets a uniform threshold of 6 feet when employers must protect their employees from fall hazards. Protection can be provided by any of the following means:

Eliminating the Fall Hazard: The elimination of fall hazards is the first and primary means of preventing falls from elevations. The idea is to eliminate work at elevations rather than provide protection. Examples:

• Performing as much work on the ground as possible • Assembling guardrail systems and fall arrest systems at ground level• Backfilling footers, abutments, and walls before employees access

structures• Using ground release mechanisms to avoid climbing to disconnect

rigging• Using radios to signal cranes rather than signaling from atop walls/

forms.

Preventing Fall Hazards: Preventing employee exposure to fall hazards should be given second consideration when a fall hazard cannot be entirely eliminated. Examples:

• Guardrail systems• Stairways, ladders, and scaffolds• Aerial lifts and manbaskets• Stairs, ramps, and runways• Fall restraint systems

Control of Fall Hazards: Controlling a fall is the least desirable method of protection because 1) it minimizes the consequences of a fall rather than prevent its occurrence, and 2) it relies on human behavior to control hazards. Preplanning considerations should include the selection of fall arrest equipment and the proper way to install and use it. Examples:

• Harnesses• Positioning assemblies• Lanyards• Horizontal and vertical lifelines• Self-retracting devices• Safety nets• Rope grabs• Anchorage connectors

Falls 33%

Struck By 22%

Shock 17%

Caught Between 18%

Other 10%

ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCTION FATALITIES

© Copyright 2009, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. All rights reserved. 18871 01/09

• Stairways1. Stairs are required at changes of elevation greater than 19”

2. Installation between 30-50 degrees

a. 6 ½” to 8” Riser (typical)

b. 12” Tread Depth

c. 2’ Wide Tread (minimum)

3. Riser Height shall be uniform for each flight of stairs

4. Maintain stairs free of material, equipment, and slippery conditions

5. Stair rails required on each side of stairways having 4 or more risers

6. Stair rail height is 36” measured from front edge of tread to top of railing

7. Constructed to withstand 200 lbs. of lateral force

8. Surfaced to prevent injury from nails and splinters.

• Ladders1. Must extend 3’ above landing level

2. Tie off both top rails

3. Secure base of ladder against slipping

4. Maintain areas at top/bottom of ladder clear of obstructions

5. Inspect ladders for bent rungs, split side rails and damaged/missing feet

6. Do not use step ladders as a straight ladder

7. Never use a ladder in the horizontal position as a scaffold plank.

• Scaffolds1. Base erected on firm foundation, or adequate sill plate/pad

2. Erected plumb, level, rigid, and square

3. All cross/support braces must be properly installed

4. Pins, clips, and locking mechanisms installed

5. Safe means of access provided to working level

6. Guardrails on all working surfaces

7. Working surface fully planked with aluminum planks or scaffold grade lumber

8. Inspect daily and document.

• Floor Openings & Holes1. Covers should be constructed of ¾” plywood (minimum) capable of supporting

twice the intended load

2. Secure covers to prevent accidental displacement

3. Identify covers by labeling with the word “COVER” or “HOLE”

4. Exposed edges must be protected with a guardrail system.

• Guardrail Systems1. Top rail – 42” (+/- 3”) above the working surface; constructed of 2”x4” lumber;

capable of supporting 200 lbs

2. Mid rail – located midway between top rail and working surface

3. Toeboard – minimum 3 ½” above surface

4. Posts – spaced on 8’ centers; constructed of 2”x4” lumber; capable of supporting 200 lbs.

• Personal Fall Arrest Systems1. A full body harness must be used to limit the force to the body

2. Anchorage points must be capable of supporting 5,000 lbs. of force or twice the impact load

3. Free fall cannot exceed 6 feet, and contact with lower levels must be prevented

4. Employees shall only use the D-ring on the back for fall protection

5. Inspect all components of the fall protection system

6. Develop a rescue plan

7. Plan for clearance distances and swing fall hazards.

Stair Rail System Required for 4 or More Risers*

*For All Unprotected Edges.

NOTE: A Wall or Equivalent Barrier Can Be Utilized in Lieu of Stair Rails.

VIOLATION IN-COMPLIANCE

Change in Elevation Greater than 30” Requires a Stair Rail*

> 30”

HH

1/4 H

42”

Max. 8’

Outside Edge

42”2”x4”

Top YokeScaffold

Plank

Thru Bolts

Full Body Harness

Steel Lanyard - 3,970 lbs. Force

Webbing Lanyard - 2,780 lbs. Force

Nylon Rope Lanyard - 2,395 lbs. Force

Shock-Absorbing Lanyard - 830 lbs. Force

Force Generated by 220 lb. Steel Weight Free-Falling 6 Ft.