Construction Injury News

MIOSHA Launches Campaign To Reduce Or Eliminate Construction Accidents Caused By Falls

SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 – The construction industry is one of the most hazardous industries in Michigan–and falls are the single leading cause of accidents and fatalities in this industry.  Only about four percent of Michigan’s workforce is employed in construction–however, construction fatalities account for more than 40 percent of all fatal workplace accidents. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is launching an extensive awareness campaign to alert construction employers that they must provide appropriate fall protection and training for employees exposed to fall hazards.  The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG). “This year in Michigan, we’ve had nine fatal accidents in construction caused by falls.  This is simply not acceptable,” said DLEG Director David C. Hollister.  “We know that fatal accidents can be greatly reduced when employers follow the rules and apply effective worker safeguards on every jobsite where fall hazards are present.”

MIOSHA has investigated 36 fatalities over the four-year period of 2001 through 2004 related to falls at construction worksites.  Because of the high rate of injuries and fatalities related to fall hazards, reducing these hazards is a focus in the MIOSHA five-year Strategic Plan.  In addition, the MIOSHA Construction Safety and Health Division (CSHD) is targeting more resources to conduct inspections in residential construction this construction season.  Fall hazards are prevalent in residential construction, which is evident upon review of accident and fatality investigation activity.  This residential construction focus includes single-family dwellings and multiple family units (e.g., duplexes, condominiums, apartment buildings). “Protecting workers must be a priority for employers.  Incidents caused by falls can be anticipated and prevented,” said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski.  “MIOSHA rules require construction employers to implement accident prevention programs that address the variety of hazards they face.”

MIOSHA is initiating an extensive “Fall Protection Awareness Campaign” to address exposures to fall hazards in the construction workplace.  The goal of this campaign is to increase awareness of fall hazards in the construction industry and to help ensure that employers are aware of the need to adequately train their employees and provide opportunities to attend training. The fall protection training initiative will be implemented in two phases.  The first phase will focus on residential construction and the industry-specific compliance alternatives for homes and certain apartment or condominium buildings.  The residential phase mass mailing will be sent to more than 6,000 Michigan construction employers identified as having work activities that may expose employees to fall hazards in residential construction in September 2005, with training seminars beginning in October 2005.  The initiative for non-residential fall protection will follow in 2006.

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	Did You Know?
	Construction accident injuries may be covered by workers compensation. Most are. The workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers no matter whether an injury is caused by the employers or employee's negligence. But there are some limits. Generally, injuries caused because an employee is intoxicated or using illegal drugs are not covered by workers' compensation.