Fall hazard control observed on residential construction sites.
BACKGROUND
Falls are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the construction industry. This study measured fall hazards at residential construction sites.


METHODS
Trained carpenters administered the St. Louis Audit of Fall Risks and interviewed carpenters. The prevalence of fall prevention practices meeting safety criteria was counted and correlations explored.


RESULTS
We identified a high prevalence of fall hazards at the 197 residential sites audited. Roof sheathing met safety criteria most consistently (81%) and truss setting least consistently (28%). Use of personal fall arrest and monitoring of unguarded floor openings were rare. Safer performance on several scales was correlated. Construction sites of large-sized contractors were generally safer than smaller contractors. Apprentice carpenters were less familiar with their employers' fall prevention plan than experienced workers.


CONCLUSIONS
Safety could be improved with consistent use of recognized fall prevention practices at residential construction sites.
Kaskutas
Vicki
V
Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. kaskutasv@wustl.edu
Dale
Ann Marie
AM
Nolan
James
J
Patterson
Dennis
D
Lipscomb
Hester J
HJ
Evanoff
Bradley
B
D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008923:Missouri; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety