Fall Protection

After 13 workers died at communication tower worksites in 2013 – more than the previous two years combined – OSHA and other stakeholders are taking a closer look at the safety of the industry.

Washington – Falls – many involving ladders – are a leading cause of workplace injuries, according to a NIOSH study published April 25 in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Glasgow, Scotland – Experts on safely working at height will be available to answer questions via a Twitter symposium scheduled to take place April 16.

San Diego – Describing a recent increase of worker deaths in the communications industry as “unacceptable,” OSHA administrator David Michaels stressed the need for proper safety precautions.

Washington – In response to recent deaths related to communication tower collapses, OSHA has sent a letter to industry employers urging adherence to safety standards.

Washington – Using features such as parapets and guardrails on roofs during construction could help prevent falls among workers, according to a new NIOSH publication.

If a worker wearing fall protection falls and is left suspended in the air too long, he or she may develop suspension trauma.