The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed a collection of compliance assistance resources to address falls in the workplace, the leading cause of worker fatality in the construction industry. Workers performing tasks 6’ or more above lower levels are at risk of fatal falls or serious injuries. Falls can be prevented if employers plan ahead to ensure the job is done safely, provide the right equipment, and train workers to use the equipment safely.

OSHA's goal is to promote awareness about common fall hazards in construction, educate job creators and workers on fall prevention, and reduce the number of fall-related injuries and fatalities.

The following resources provide guidelines to increase safety:

• A series of fall safety videos show how to prevent construction-related fall hazards from floor openings, skylights, fixed scaffolds, bridge decking, reroofing, and leading edge work
• OSHA's Fall Prevention Training Guide, A Lesson Plan for Employers provides a lesson plan for employers, including several Toolbox Talks
• Fact sheets on ladders and scaffolding provide guidance on the safe use of these types of equipment while performing construction activities
• 5 Ways to Prevent Workplace Falls is a video which encourages employers to develop a fall prevention plan and to provide workers with fall protection and training