May 25, 2011
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA slide presentation shows employers how to protect
residential construction workers from falls

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently published a new compliance assistance tool to help employers prevent fall-related injuries and deaths among residential construction workers. This new educational presentation* is located on OSHA's website.

This slide presentation is one of many formats OSHA is using to reach out to the residential construction industry and provide information and assistance to employers in residential construction. In December 2010, OSHA announced a new directive withdrawing a former interim directive that allowed residential builders to bypass fall protection requirements. Falls are the leading cause of death for workers involved in construction.

The presentation describes safety methods for preventing injuries and deaths from falls, and explains techniques currently used by employers during various stages of construction. These techniques involve the use of conventional fall protection systems including safety nets, guardrails, and personal fall arrest systems such as body harnesses, lanyards and lifelines. Workers who use these safety systems perform activities such as installing roof sheathing, weatherproofing a roof, and installing walls and subfloors, among others.

The presentation is among a series of guidance materials on OSHA's Residential Fall Protection Web page. Other resources include a fact sheet, and questions and answers about requirements for protecting workers from fall hazards. The Safety and Health Topics Web page on Fall Protection – Construction also provides a list of references to help employers identify fall hazards and possible solutions for eliminating such hazards. OSHA is continuing to develop additional resources to help employers protect residential workers' safety and health.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

* Accessibility Assistance Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PPT documents.