Falls are among the most common causes of injury in the workplace. They can
lead to severe injury, even death, but-with the proper precautions-they can be
prevented. Without the proper precautions, same-level falls can occur during
the simple act of walking, while falls to a lower level can occur from a
ladder, scaffolding, roof, or other structure above the ground.

To form a comprehensive picture of workers at greatest risk for ladder falls,
NIOSH investigators analyzed three nationwide occupational injury surveillance
systems. They found that ladder fall injuries were significantly higher among
Hispanics, self-employed workers, and those employed by small companies. They
were also higher among men, older workers, and construction workers. To help
prevent ladder fall injuries, NIOSH has developed a technologically innovative
Ladder Safety App. Available in English or Spanish on the NIOSH website, the
app provides user-friendly guides and interactive tools to prevent major causes
of falls related to extension and stepladders.

Comprehensive Intervention Leads to Decline in Slips, Trips, and Falls

In three hospitals that began a fall-prevention plan developed by NIOSH and
hospital staff, injuries from falls on the same level declined by more than
half. These types of falls are commonly called "slips, trips, and falls.”



NIOSH investigators and hospital staff developed the prevention plan after
analyzing 10 years of Workers' Compensation data to identify the most common
causes of fall-related injuries. Although different jobs may require different
interventions, these results show that tailoring an intervention to a specific
group, such as healthcare workers, can help decrease slips, trips, and falls.

More information

AplusA-online.de - Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health