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Fall hazard control observed on residential construction sites
Author(s) -
Kaskutas Vicki,
Dale Ann Marie,
Nolan James,
Patterson Dennis,
Lipscomb Hester J.,
Evanoff Bradley
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.20698
Subject(s) - safer , medicine , fall prevention , audit , occupational safety and health , environmental health , poison control , injury prevention , business , computer security , computer science , accounting , pathology
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. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:491–499, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.