Falls from height: Analysis of 114 cases

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.