Authors
Kaskutas-V; Dale-AM; Nolan-J; Patterson-D; Lipscom-HJ; Evanoff-B
Source
Am J Ind Med 2009 Jun; 52(6):491-499
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Accident-prevention; Accidents; Construction; Construction-equipment; Construction-industry; Construction-materials; Construction-workers; Epidemiology; Injuries; Injury-prevention; Occupational-hazards; Safety-education; Safety-measures; Safety-practices; Safety-programs; Statistical-analysis; Surveillance-programs; Training; Work-analysis; Work-environment; Worker-motivation; Work-operations; Workplace-studies; Work-practices;
Author Keywords: fall prevention; residential construction; compliance; carpenters; construction; injury prevention