DON'T LET SAFETY SLIP
PREVENTING FALLS IN CONSTRUCTION
When it comes to construction, there’s no room for cutting corners. Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on job sites, yet many of them are preventable. Whether you’re overseeing a major project or managing a small crew, you have a responsibility to protect your workers—and it starts with fall prevention. Let’s walk through protection, employer’s responsibility, tools to strengthen safety, and what to do if a fall occurs.
Why Fall Protection Matters
Every year, thousands of construction workers are hurt or fatally injured due to falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or other elevated work surfaces. According to OSHA, falls account for more than one in three construction fatalities.
These aren’t rare accidents, they’re often the result of rushed timelines, limited oversight, or a lack of investment in proper equipment.
The Employer’s Responsibility
At the end of the day, safety starts at the top. Employers are legally and ethically responsible for providing a safe work environment. That means:
✅ Planning ahead for safety before the work begins
✅ Providing the right equipment for the job
✅ Training workers on how to recognize and avoid hazards
✅ Enforcing safety protocols—every time, no exceptions
Tools to Strengthen Your Safety Program
Here are a few practical steps you can take to up your safety game:
- Invest in quality fall protection gear. That includes harnesses, guardrails, lifelines, and safety nets.
- Implement a written fall protection plan. Especially on multi-employed worksites.
- Schedule regular training and toolbox talks.
- Conduct job site inspections. Hazards change daily, so stay ahead of them.
- Use technology to track incidents and near-misses. Data can help identify patterns before they become problems.
What to do When a Fall Occurs
When the unthinkable happens, having a clear plan in place is essential. At Tower Street, we help you navigate the chaos with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Immediate Actions (First 15 Minutes)
- Call Emergency Services
Your priority is the worker’s safety. Call 911 immediately to ensure the injured individual receives medical attention as quickly as possible.
- Secure the Area
Clear the area around the fall to prevent further injuries. Do not move the injured employee unless there’s a danger of further harm.
- Notify Internal Leadership
Contact your site supervisor, safety manager, and HR representative. They need to document the situation and begin the company’s internal incident response.
- Report the Incident to OSHA (if required)
Falls that result in hospitalization or fatality must be reported to OSHA within a specific timeframe:
- Fatalities: Within 8 hours
- Hospitalizations: Within 24 hours
Failure to report can result in substantial fines.
CONTACTING TOWER STREET
As soon as the worker is safe and the situation is stabilized, reach out to your Tower Street contacts:
🔹 Primary Tower Street Claims Contact
Call your dedicated Claims Advisor or the main line at (972) 472-8755 to report the incident.
We’ll walk you through the next steps and coordinate with your carrier.
🔹 Account Manager or Producer
They can support you with immediate documentation, employee benefit coverage questions, and ongoing risk management.
If you’re unsure who your point of contact is, email info@towerstreetinsurance.com and we’ll connect you with the right person.
🔹 Loss Control Team
Our Loss Control experts will help conduct a root cause analysis, advise on corrective actions, and provide recommendations to prevent future incidents.
