Accidents On Low-Rise Buildings

Falls are the most frequent accidents that occur on low-rise buildings and low-rise construction sites.  OSHA data shows that fall accidents on low rise buildings are the cause of many serious injuries and fatalities.

At the same time, the data shows that falls have certain properties, which may help designers to devise preventive approaches on low rise buildings.  OSHA data shows that nearly half of the fall accidents occur on projects involving commercial buildings and single family dwellings.  However, whether it is a commercial building, multi-storey building or even a single storey building; the potential for falls remains a significant hazard on low-rise buildings and construction sites.

OSHA data shows that falls occurred at what some would consider relatively low elevations.  About 75% of falls occurred at elevations of less than 30 feet, and 45% were less than 20 feet.

Environmental Concerns

Over half of the fall injuries are related to environmental factors involving the working surface (icy or wet conditions for example) or building layout conditions (awkward or inconvenient roof layouts).

Human Errors Resulting In Falls

Analysis of human errors showed that “misjudgement of the hazardous situation” is the most frequent type of error involving falls, accounting for 30% of all the accidents.

Location Of Falls

80% of all building fall accidents took place:

 

• from roofs,
• from or with scaffolds,
• from or with ladders, and
• through openings.   
 

These falls can be effectively prevented with adequate safety equipment, proper training, and suitable fall protection.  Without fall protection, workers may not be aware of their surroundings and ignore hazards.

The bottom-line is; fall protection equipment is need:

• In Canada, where any section of the parapet wall is less than 36 inches (and someone is subject to a 10 foot fall)

• In the USA, where any section of the parapet wall is less than 42 inches (and someone is subject to a 4 foot fall)