BACKGROUND: Falls are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the construction industry. This study measured fall hazards at residential construction sites. METHODS: Trained carpenters administered the St. Louis Audit of Fall Risks and interviewed carpenters. The prevalence of fall prevention practices meeting safety criteria was counted and correlations explored. RESULTS: We identified a high prevalence of fall hazards at the 197 residential sites audited. Roof sheathing met safety criteria most consistently (81%) and truss setting least consistently (28%). Use of personal fall arrest and monitoring of unguarded floor openings were rare. Safer performance on several scales was correlated. Construction sites of large-sized contractors were generally safer than smaller contractors. Apprentice carpenters were less familiar with their employers' fall prevention plan than experienced workers. CONCLUSIONS: Safety could be improved with consistent use of recognized fall prevention practices at residential construction sites.
BACKGROUND: Falls are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the construction industry. This study measured fall hazards at residential construction sites. METHODS: Trained carpenters administered the St. Louis Audit of Fall Risks and interviewed carpenters. The prevalence of fall prevention practices meeting safety criteria was counted and correlations explored. RESULTS: We identified a high prevalence of fall hazards at the 197 residential sites audited. Roof sheathing met safety criteria most consistently (81%) and truss setting least consistently (28%). Use of personal fall arrest and monitoring of unguarded floor openings were rare. Safer performance on several scales was correlated. Construction sites of large-sized contractors were generally safer than smaller contractors. Apprentice carpenters were less familiar with their employers' fall prevention plan than experienced workers. CONCLUSIONS: Safety could be improved with consistent use of recognized fall prevention practices at residential construction sites.
Authors: Bradley Evanoff; Ann Marie Dale; Angelique Zeringue; Mark Fuchs; John Gaal; Hester J Lipscomb; Vicki Kaskutas Journal: Saf Sci Date: 2016-07-15 Impact factor: 6.392
Authors: Vicki Kaskutas; Ann Marie Dale; Hester Lipscomb; John Gaal; Mark Fuchs; Bradley Evanoff Journal: Scand J Work Environ Health Date: 2009-11-26 Impact factor: 5.024
Authors: Magdalena Cyma-Wejchenig; Janusz Maciaszek; Katarzyna Marciniak; Rafał Stemplewski Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-09-08 Impact factor: 3.390