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According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slip and fall injuries are the most common form of construction injuries. They account for 25% of all work injury claims. Working on wet floors, building without harnesses, and exposed cables can all cause these injuries. In some claims, workers were allegedly building on roofs without safety restraints in snowy conditions. Keep reading below for some slip and fall workplace hazards to watch out for on your jobsite.
What Are Some Potential Slip and Fall Hazards?
OSHA requires workers 6 ft. or higher above a lower level to use a guardrail system, safety net system, or a personal fall arrest system for safety. Details about these options are listed on the OSHA website.
Unprotected sides, floor holes, and wall openings: These holes and openings need to be covered or fitted with safety nets to avoid injuries.
Improper scaffolding: Scaffolds need to be built according to manufacturer instructions, and scaffolds higher than 10 feet above a lower level need to be fitted with guardrails or a personal fall arrest system.
Unguarded pieces of metal: Rebar needs to be bent or capped to avoid injuries from falling on exposed metal.
When Should You Report a Fall Safety Hazard?
If possible, report the issue to your employer immediately to remedy the issue. You may also file a worksite report with OSHA and request an inspection. If you have been injured in a fall-related Injury, contacting a Columbus work compensation lawyer can help you get the coverage you need for your workplace injuries.