It may come as a surprise that the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2015, nearly 33,381 people died in falls at home and at work – and for working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death.

Hazards in the Workplace In 2014, 660 workers died in falls from a higher level, and 49,210 were injured badly enough to require days off of work. A worker doesn’t have fall from a high level to suffer fatal injuries. While half of all fatal falls in 2014 occurred from 20 feet or lower, 12% were from less than 6 feet, according to Injury Facts 2017®.

Construction workers are most at risk for fatal falls from height – more than seven times the rate of other industries – but falls can happen anywhere, even at a “desk job.”

NSC data for 2014 includes falls from height and falls on the same level, by industry:

> Construction: 22,330 injuries, 359 deaths

> Manufacturing: 23,290 injuries, 49 deaths

> Wholesale trade: 14,360 injuries, 30 deaths

> Retail trade: 29,530 injuries, 34 deaths

> Transportation and Warehousing: 23,780 injuries, 43 deaths

> Professional and business services: 23,140 injuries, 94 deaths

> Education and health services: 51,150 injuries, 21 deaths

> Government: 69,530 injuries, 41 deaths

Falls are 100% Preventable

Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment. First, determine if working from a height is absolutely necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely.

> Discuss the task with coworkers and determine what safety equipment is needed

> Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment

> San the work area for potential hazards before starting the job

> Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment

> If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather

> Use the correct tool for the job, and use it as intended

> Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open

> Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder

> Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface

> A straight or extension ladder should be 1 foot away from the surface it rests on for every 4 feet of height and extend at least 3 feet over the top edge

> Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support

> Wear slip-resistant shoes and don’t stand higher than the third rung from the top

> Don’t lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom

> Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use

Millions of people are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year. A fall can end in death or disability in a split second, but with a few simple precautions, you’ll be sure stay safe at at work.