The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has begun a National Emphasis Program to prevent falls, the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries and the violation the agency cites most frequently in construction industry inspections. 

The emphasis program will focus on reducing fall-related injuries and fatalities for people working at heights in all industries. The targeted enforcement program is based on historical Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and OSHA enforcement history. 

Data on Working at Heights

BLS data shows that of the 5,190 fatal workplace injuries in 2021, 680 were associated with falls from elevations — or about 13% of all deaths. 

“This national emphasis program aligns all of OSHA’s fall protection resources to combat one of the most preventable and significant causes of workplace fatalities,” said Doug Parker, assistant secretary for OSHA.

“We’re launching this program in concert with the 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction and the industry’s Safety Week,” Parker added. “Working together, OSHA and its employees in all industries can make lasting changes to improve worker safety and save lives.” 

Details of OSHA’s Program

The program establishes guidance for locating and inspecting fall hazards, and also allows OSHA compliance safety and health officers to open inspections whenever they observe someone working at heights. 

An outreach component of the program will focus on educating employers about effective ways to keep their workers safe. If a compliance officer determines an inspection is not necessary after entering a worksite and observing work activities, they will provide outreach on fall protection and leave the site. 

More information about federally required fall protection can be found on the OSHA website.

For more information, contact: OSHA, (800) 321-6742, www.osha.gov.