They’re unexpected, unintended, and unfortunately all too common. Slips, trips, and falls continue to be a common source of injury or worse across the construction industry, both in the field and the office.

First, let's discuss some facts. In 2019, worker deaths stemming from slips, trips, and falls climbed 11.3% and those numbers are climbing. By 2022, work-related fatalities due to falls, slips, and trips resulted in 865 fatalities, up from 850 in 2021. In its most recent survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry and 38.4% of these deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips in 2022. Further, the construction industry accounted for almost half, 47.4% of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2022.

Not all slips, trips, and falls are from height. The National Safety Council reports that falls at the same level are a leading cause of preventable workplace injuries causing time away from work. Even more surprising to some, Injury Facts® reports that 144 workers were killed in falls on the same level in 2022.

Major contributors to slips, trips, and falls are hazardous walking surfaces, footwear, and distracted (e.g., reading, talking, surrounding activity) individuals – all of which are preventable.

Here are some tips to consider when forming a plan for slips, trips, and falls:

• Experts say the root of accident prevention is education. Make sure employees are trained and regularly reminded to recognize potential hazards in work areas.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify hazards and minimize the chance of an accident. Use warning signs where necessary.
• Clear walkways of trash and obstructions such as cables, wires, or tools. Make sure lights are bright throughout work areas.
• Choose to wear sensible shoes with a solid non-slip sole.

As for any safety-related topic, it’s important that slips, trips, and fall accident prevention becomes integral to our company’s culture.

Sources: National Safety Council, Safety+Health Magazine

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Our industry takes pride in advancing safety in all aspects of life. Deep South Crane & Rigging, LLC's marketing team has prepared this content with the intent that it be shared as potential safety topics used to start meetings industry-wide. We have used internet resources that are sourced via links throughout the article. We do not claim to be experts on this topic.