Four Recent Deaths of Construction Workers from Falls

Within the last week, four separate construction-related falls have resulted in deaths.  The most recent accident occurred last Tuesday when a masonry worker fell thirteen stories from the roof of the Pennsylvanian apartment building in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The previous three incidents occurred in North Strabane, New Kensington and Monessen.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates safety requirements that protect against hazards like falling. There is an entire book of OSHA standards related to construction.  Employers are required to protect their workers from falls when they are working six feet or higher above an adjacent surface.

According to the area director at OSHA’s Pittsburgh office, falls account for nearly 50% of all fatalities in the construction industry.

OSHA investigates all workplace deaths and has started investigations on all four fatalities.