Falls are the leading cause of work-related injury and deaths in construction. OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have relaunched a construction fall prevention campaign in partnership with the Center for Construction Research and Training. The goal is to raise awareness and equip contractors and workers with the information to help them prevent falls.

According to government data, two construction workers die each day in the United States. And falls account for 35 percent of deaths among private industry construction workers. The campaign partners note that as the economy grows, there is a steady increase in new construction activity and an influx of new, inexperienced workers who need protection.

Employers must provide the right equipment and train their workers in a language they understand. When workers know the rules and know how to use equipment safely, falls can be prevented and lives saved, they say.

The campaign website offers a variety of resources, tips, and success stories at http://stopconstructionfalls.com. Organizers encourage employers to get involved in a number of ways such as:

• Send out an e-blast announcing and promoting the campaign.
• Run an article in your organization’s safety newsletter.
• Post information, photos, and comments on your Facebook page.