Common Causes of Falling Accidents at Construction Sites

Falls from heights are a leading cause of fatal injuries in construction, commonly attributed to insufficient fall protection, lack of training and unstable or improperly set up equipment. When these injuries occur, victims may have several legal remedies available, against employers, contractors and others in control of or engaged in activity on the worksite.

These are what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies as the key causes of falls at construction sites:

• Improper use and setup of ladders — Many falls result from ladders not being securely positioned on a flat, level surface, or overloading. Failure to use the correct ladder for a given task also contributes significantly. Workers are advised to maintain three points of contact while on ladders, and failure to do so is a frequent issue in fall incidents.
• Scaffold hazards — Scaffolding contributes to falls due to improper assembly, lack of guardrails and use on unstable surfaces. According to the CDC and OSHA, scaffold-related falls are often linked to inadequate fall protection or workers’ lack of awareness about fall hazards. Regular inspection and adherence to setup guidelines are critical in preventing falls from scaffolds.
• Roofing-related falls — Roof work is particularly high-risk. Roofers are frequently exposed to fall hazards, especially if gusts of wind or slippery surfaces are involved. The CDC highlights that inadequate fall arrest systems or poorly secured roofing materials are often at fault in these incidents. Roofers should be equipped with proper anchoring and fall prevention equipment.

When a worker is injured in a fall, liability can vary based on circumstances but typically involves the site owner or manager if there is evidence of negligence or failure to adhere to safety regulations. People or companies in charge of a site have a duty to provide a safe working environment, including proper safety training and equipment. Failure to meet these requirements may create liability for the injury.

Manufacturers of faulty equipment or subcontractors who improperly set up scaffolding or ladders may also bear responsibility. In scenarios where contractors do not adequately ensure the safety of all workers or if equipment suppliers fail to maintain safety standards, they too could face liability.

Organizations like OSHA implement regulations requiring fall protection and conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. Violations or insufficient adherence to OSHA’s standards may increase the likelihood of liability, especially if an incident results from non-compliance. An experienced construction injury attorney can investigate a site accident to determine whether it arose from failure to adhere to OSHA guidelines and to take other reasonable measures to keep workers safe. 

At Feinberg & Alban, P.C., we aggressively pursue claims in behalf of injured workers throughout Massachusetts. We have offices in downtown Boston, Brookline and Worcester. If you or a loved one has been injured in a worksite accident, call us at 617-232-5950 or contact us online today.