Falls from height: Analysis of 114 cases

Tomi Zlatar, Eliane Maria Gorga Lago, Willames de Albuquerque Soares, João dos Santos Baptista, Béda Barkokébas Junior

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Paper aims: To study fall-accident cases in order to analyze the commonly missing or not adequately applied risk management measures (RMM) and its consequences depending on falling height. Originality: First study to analyze failed RMM for preventing falls from height. Research method: The study reviewed court cases published by the journal "Safety & Health Practitioner". NIOSH recommendations were used to define RMM to apply to this study. Main findings: Finally, in 98% of analyzed cases, the fall from height was a result of several non-adequate or missing RMM: in 81.6% procedures of work, 65.8% guardrails and edge protection, 60.5% risk assessment, and 60.5% platforms or scaffolds. It can be concluded that falls from height pose a significant risk for workers, which could be prevented by adequately apply RMM. Implications for theory and practice: The focus in the prevention of falls should be given on most common RMM.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere20180091
JournalProduction
Volume29
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fall accidents
  • Injury
  • Risk control
  • Safety in construction
  • Workplace fatalities

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