Preventing falls from height in residential construction workers: Development of a website of fall protection devices

Background: Falls from height continue to account for nearly all residential construction worker fatalities despite technological advancements in residential construction fall protection. As a result, OSHA recently enacted more stringent fall protection standards for residential construction (OSHA, 2010). These changes are forcing residential contractors to institute major, rapid revision of their building methods.

Research Objective: To develop a comprehensive inventory of fall protection technologies for home construction, disseminate this resource, and track outreach and effectiveness. The long term goal is to decrease construction worker falls. 

Method:  We identified fall protection devices appropriate for residential construction and compiled detailed information about each device, including purpose, stage of home construction, installation procedures, photographs/videos, cost, and vendor in website we developed using responsive design. The website was iteratively revised based on advisory panel feedback. We secured arrangements with government-sponsored and private national organizations known to construction professionals to link to our website. Dissemination efforts and effectiveness will be tracked.

Results:  To date we have gathered information on over 100 fall protection devices. We have tested the website with members of the advisory panel and gathered their feedback. The website survey has been designed and pilot tested. Manufacturers continue to develop new fall protection devices.

Conclusion:  Based upon the positive reactions of the construction and safety professionals, manufacturers, and representatives of governmental agencies that have seen the web-based resource, it appears that there is a need for this resource and it will most likely be well received by the intended audiences.