Fall Protection
Contact Hours: 3 (an estimated time frame devoted to a course of study from start to finish that can vary from student to student)
Occupational fatalities caused by falls remain a serious public health problem throughout the United States. Data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries indicates that falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic death in the workplace, accounting for 13.7% of such deaths (808 of 5,900) in 2001. During that year, 23 workers died in falls through skylights,11 died in falls through existing roof openings, and 24 died in falls through existing floor openings. Data from the BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses shows that, during 1999, nearly 300,000 workers in private industry sustained injuries from falls, resulting in lost time from work. In 1999, an estimated 80 workers were injured in falls through skylights, 100 in falls through existing roof openings, and 617 in falls through existing floor openings. Most injuries occurred in construction, though many injuries occurred in other industries such as manufacturing, retail trade, and services.
OSHA emphasizes that workers remain at risk of falling through the floor, roof, skylight, and other openings. There is an increasing effort to identify fall hazards and implement prevention measures for reducing serious injuries and fatal falls.
Upon successful completion, students will:
Know the working conditions that prompt the use of fall protection.
Know the options that are available to protect workers from falls.
Be able to list at least four methods of fall protection available for protecting workers.
Each module contains numerous Knowledge Checks along the way to help you measure your understanding. At the end of each module there is a final quiz. A score of 80% or higher is required to earn a certificate of completion.
Intro to OSHA
Why is OSHA Important to You?
Fall Protection
Fall Protection Options and Planning
Walking and Working Surfaces
General Requirements