Contributing factors to 621 occupational fatal falls have been identified with respect to the victim’s individual factors, the fall site, companysize, and cause of fall. Individual factors included age, gender, experience, and the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE). Accident scenarios were derived from accident reports. Significant linkages were found between causes for the falls and
accident events. Falls from scaffold staging were associated with a lack of complying scaffolds and bodily action. Falls through
existing floor openings were associated with unguarded openings, inappropriate protections, or the removal of protections. Falls
from building girders or other structural steel were associated with bodilyactions and improper use of PPE. Falls from roof edges
were associated with bodilyactions and being pulled down bya hoist, object or tool. Falls through roof surfaces were associated
with lack of complying scaffolds. Falls from ladders were associated with overexertion and unusual control and the use of unsafe
ladders and tools. Falls down stairs or steps were associated with unguarded openings. Falls while jumping to a lower floor and falls
through existing roof openings were associated with poor work practices. Primaryand secondary prevention measures can be used
to prevent falls or to mitigate the consequences of falls and are suggested for each type of accident. Primary prevention measures
would include fixed barriers, such as handrails, guardrails, surface opening protections (hole coverings), crawling boards/planks,
and strong roofing materials. Secondary protection measures would include travel restraint systems (safety belt), fall arrest systems
(safetyharness), and fall containment systems (safetynets).
