ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT This chapter reviews the history and ongoing multidisciplinary research to address the prevention of falls from elevation in the construction industry. It touches on both personal and environmental factors that affect construction falls, as well as their often devastating consequences, including the number of people affected and businesses impacted. It outlines issues, often difficult, related to falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds. Because falls involve a complex combination of safety controls, safety culture and management, and worker behavior, this chapter covers each. The chapter addresses efforts toward sustainable solutions, ranging from education, training, and behavior to engineering,
CONTENTS
27.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 470 27.2 Gaps and Emerging Issues ............................................................................................... 471
27.2.1 Risk Factors Influencing Falls .............................................................................. 471 27.2.1.1 Environmental Factors ........................................................................... 471 27.2.1.2 Personal Factors ....................................................................................... 472
27.2.2 Falls from or through Ladders ............................................................................. 474 27.2.3 Falls from and through Roofs .............................................................................. 475 27.2.4 Falls from or through Scaffolds ........................................................................... 476 27.2.5 Falls from or through Telecommunication Towers........................................... 477
27.3 Fall Solutions That Have Their Own Risks .................................................................... 478 27.3.1 Aerial Lifts .............................................................................................................. 478 27.3.2 Mast Climbing Work Platforms ........................................................................... 479
27.4 Fall Solutions Aimed at Prevention.................................................................................480 27.4.1 Hierarchy of Controls ............................................................................................480 27.4.2 Fall Protection Measures ......................................................................................480
