Mar 1, 2022

Why Falls Are the Deadliest Work Accident

Nathaniel Hansford
Reviewed by:
Nate Hansford

Over One-Third of Construction Fatalities Are From Falls

Falling is often regarded as one of the most dangerous work accidents that one could encounter. In the construction industry, they are also the most deadly. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) over one-third of construction fatalities involve falls.

While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces safety standards to protect employees from dangerous falls, like requiring personal protective equipment and effective communication protocols, the risks still remain.

What Makes Falls So Dangerous?

In many industries where falls are common, including construction, there are several risks to consider for why these are so dangerous. Not only do you have to factor in the actual height of the drop, but construction sites present unique hazards in that power tools, sharp objects, and other work-related items may contribute to significant injuries if a worker were to unfortunately come into contact with one.

OSHA reports that a height of only six feet could increase the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fall. Not only should this be considered when working on a multi-level project, but also when using ladders, scaffolds, and tower cranes (where the operator themself has to be high up).

Fall-Related Injury Statistics

To better understand the prevalence of this hazard, here are some statistics from 2019 to consider:

  • 880 workers died from falls.
  • 146 workers died from falls on the same level.
  • 244,000 fall injuries required days off work.
  • 27% of the non-fatal work injuries that required days off work were related to slips, trips, and falls.
  • Falls, slips, and trips were the third leading cause of nonfatal work injuries from 2011-2020.

Obtaining the Justice You Deserve

A significant injury or death from a fall can devastate an entire family. Our Georgia attorneys want to help you seek justice for the compensation you or your loved one deserves. Get started on your case with a free consultation with a member of our team by calling 770-922-3660.