Citation

Suruda A, Fosbroke D, Braddee R. J. Saf. Res. 1995; 26(1): 1-8.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Each year over 500 U.S. workers are killed in falls and approximately 20% of these falls are from roofs. This study examines death certificate data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities database and found 288 fatal falls from roofs in 1984-1986, 138 (48%) of which were matched with reports of Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigations. Workers in the construction industry suffered 232 of the 288 fatal falls (80%). Workers in roofing trades (SIC 1761, 104 deaths) and structural steel erection (SIC 1791, 27 deaths) had the greatest frequency of injury. Poorly marked or unguarded roof openings were associated with 42 deaths. There were 24 fatal falls through skylights, and 27 fatal falls through other roof structures or materials unable to support a worker's weight. Of the 24 fatal falls through skylights, sufficient details were available to determine that 12 of the 24 involved falls through plastic or fiberglass skylights. Standards for strength requirements for skylights are advisable. Data sources used for this study lacked details concerning use of personal protective equipment such as safety belts and lanyards. However, the study provides general information on falls from roofs that may be useful in planning preventive measures.