OSHA Announces Fall Protection Program for Pacific Northwest Construction Companies

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced a Regional Emphasis Program to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries in the Pacific Northwest construction industry. It's no secret that falls are among the leading causes of work-related injury. While all industries are susceptible to fall-related injuries, though, construction typically has the highest rate.

In fact, OSHA cites falls as being one of its "Fatal Fours" in the construction industry. According to the Department of Labor (DOL), more than one-third of all fatalities in the construction industry are attributed to falls, making it the single most common cause of death among construction workers. In 2015, approximately 364 construction workers lost their life from falls. And while rates of fall-related injuries and fatalities have since declined, it remains a serious safety hazard for construction workers.

About OSHA's New Fall Protection Program

To combat falls in the construction, OSHA is launching a Regional Emphasis Program that focuses specifically on fall injuries and fatalities in the Pacific Northwest construction industry. So, how will this program work exactly? According to a press release by OSHA, Pacific Northwest construction companies will be given a "period of outreach" during which they can familiarize themselves with OSHA's fall protection rule. After this period is over, OSHA will begin enforcement activities, including workplace inspections and evaluations pertaining to its fall protection rule. Pacific Northwest construction companies that fail to comply with the rule's specifications are susceptible to fines and penalties.

“Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry,” said OSHA's Barbara Goto in a press release announcing the new Regional Emphasis program. “This emphasis program is designed to reinforce the requirement to use fall protection systems to protect workers from serious and fatal injuries.”

It's important to note that OSHA's new Regional Emphasis Program only targets construction companies in the Pacific Northwest. However, that doesn't mean construction companies elsewhere are immune to enforcement activities. Regardless of location, all companies must comply with OSHA's rules regarding fall protection. While falls are particularly common in the construction industry, they occur in countless other industries as well.

Employers should use this opportunity to better protect their workers from fall-related injuries. Including more signage to identify wet or slippery floors, for example, can help workers avoid dangerous areas where there's a high risk of slip-and-fall accidents.

To learn more about OSHA's stance on fall protection in the workplace, check out this article.