According to the National Safety Council, 46,653 people died in falls at home or work in 2022. And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry reported 674,100 workplace injuries (19.9% of all cases) resulting in days away from work, job restrictions, or job transfers due to slips, trips, or falls in 2021-22.
EXAMPLES OF INCIDENTS INVESTIGATED BY OSHA INCLUDE:
- A worker was removing snow from a roof when he lost his balance and slid off the roof. He fell and struck his head on construction materials that were being stored below the roof and sustained a fatal head injury.
- A worker was laying grid lines and shoveling snow on a second-floor deck. An elevator shaft opening was covered with a plastic tarp with temporary guardrails installed around a portion of the shaft opening. The worker, who was not wearing any fall protection, fell 30 feet through the unguarded portion of the elevator shaft opening and died.
- Four workers were building a second-floor room addition. One of the workers was standing on a 12-foot aluminum ladder overreaching to a low-slope roof, 10 feet above ground. The feet of the ladder slid, and the worker fell, striking his head on the ladder, and then on the concrete driveway. He died several days later.
- A worker was shoveling snow from the roof of a residential construction site. He fell from a height of more than 11 feet and was fatally impaled by a scaffold upright in the course of his fall.
- A worker tip-over an aerial lift when driving into a hole.
- A worker was entrapment and suffocation under an accumulated snow pile.
- A worker was shocked by an electrocution hazard from a damaged extension cord.
- A worker died of exposure suffering frostbite and hypothermia from cold and windy conditions.
PREVENTING SLIPS ON SNOW AND ICE:
To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear snow and ice from walking surfaces, and spread deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm. When walking on snow or ice is unavoidable workers should be trained to:
- Wear footwear that has good traction and insulation (e.g., insulated and water-resistant boots or rubber over-shoes with good rubber treads)
- Take short steps and walk at a slower pace to react quickly to changes in traction
PREVENTING FALLS WHEN REMOVING SNOW FROM ROOFTOPS AND OTHER ELEVATED SURFACES:
Employers should consider options to avoid working on roofs or elevated heights, plan ahead for safe snow removal, and must:
- Provide required fall protection and training when working on the roof or elevated heights
- Ensure ladders are used safely (e.g., clearing snow and ice from surfaces)
- Use extreme caution when working near power lines
- Prevent harmful exposure to cold temperatures and physical exertion. Takes short steps and walk at a slower pace to react quickly to changes in traction
OTHER SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL EXPOSURES:
OSHA Standard Subpart R – Floor Opening – 1926.754(e)(3)(i) Covers for roof and floor openings shall be capable of supporting, without failure, twice the weight of the employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time. – 1926.754(e)(3)(ii) All covers shall be secured when installed to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment or employees -1926.754(e)(3)(iii) – All covers shall be painted with high-visibility paint or shall be marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” to provide warning of the hazard, 1926.754(e)(3)(iv) -Smoke dome or skylight fixtures that have been installed, are not considered covers for the purpose of this section unless they meet the strength requirements of paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this section.
OSHA Standard Subpart M – Falls – 1926.503(a)(1) – The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards.
OSHA Standard Subpart x – Ladders – 1926.1053(b)(1) – When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder’s length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder. In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support. 1926.1053(b)(6) – Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. 1926.1053(b)(7) – Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feet shall not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used upon slippery surfaces including, but not limited to, flat metal or concrete surfaces that are constructed so they cannot be prevented from becoming slippery. 1926.1053(b)(22) -An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall.
OSHA Standard Subpart C – Housekeeping – 1926.25 (a) During the course of construction, alteration, or repairs, form and scrap lumber with protruding nails, and all other debris, shall be kept cleared from work areas, passageways, and stairs, in and around buildings or other structures.
OSHA Standard Subpart L – Scaffolding – 1926.451(f)(12) – Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and those employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens. Wind screens shall not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed. – 1926.451(f)(13) – Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on platforms.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
1. Snow Removal – Use snow removal methods that do not involve workers going on roofs, when and where possible;
- Evaluate loads exerted on the roof or structure (e.g., total weight of snow, workers, and equipment used), compared to the load limit of the roofs.
- Require that workers use fall protection equipment.
- Ensure that workers use ladders and aerial lifts safely. Remove snow uniformly across the roof.
- Avoid making snow piles on the roof.
2. Exposed Employees – If workers access roofs and other elevated surfaces:
- Train workers on fall hazards and the proper use of fall protection equipment, as required by 1926.503(a)(1).
- Provide and ensure that workers use fall protection equipment if they are working at any leading edge.
- Provide specially designed considerations if employees are removing snow in areas that are not adequately guarded (e.g., with a guardrail system or cover) as required. Remember Anchor Points – Remember: Connectors – Harnesses – Equipment Inspections.
3. Lifts and Ladders
- Ensure that the ladder has a level and secure footing, as required 1926.1053(b)(6).
- Check the ladder rungs for ice or mud. A slippery step can cause a fatal fall or serious injury.
- Position the ladder at the correct angle. Place the base of the ladder a distance from the vertical wall equal to one-fourth the working length of the ladder, 1926.1053(b)(5)(i).
- Clean snow and mud from shoes or boots before mounting the ladder.
- Extend the ladder 3 feet above the access level. If it is not possible, use ladder rail extensions and secure the ladder to prevent it from slipping or tipping, as required by 1926.1053(b)(1).
4. Protect Others
- Mark a safe work zone in the area where debris or ice and snow is to be removed (e.g., keep people back 10 feet from the point where material can blow or fall).
- Wear eye and head protection, especially when removing ice.
- When removing snow or ice, remove small amounts at a time.
- Secure all material on any working surface, deck, or roof.
5. Other Precautions
- Look for debris on working and walking surfaces,
- Anticipate slippery surfaces such as black ice, at night or early morning.
- Do not do anything that causes a distraction while working, such as looking at a cell phone.
- Look for wet floors when entering the workplace as coworkers may track in mud, water, snow, and slush.
- Remain conscious of debris that may fall from overhead, including roofs, trees, wires, and awnings.
- Walk slowly and be aware of the surroundings when snow or ice is present.
- Use handrails wherever possible.
- Wear appropriate footwear with a heavy tread.
6. Be Prepared
- Whether it’s mud, heavy snowfall, icy surfaces, or freezing temperatures. Being well-prepared can prevent accidents and keep you safe and accident-free.
