What is the most common cause of injury on a construction site?

Falls are recognized as the most common cause of injury on construction sites for several key reasons. Construction sites often feature a variety of vertical heights due to scaffolding, ladders, and multi-story buildings, which inherently increases the risk of falls. Factors such as unguarded edges, improper use of ladders, and lack of fall protection systems contribute to this risk.

Furthermore, statistical data consistently indicates that falls result in a significant percentage of fatalities and serious injuries within the construction industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has targeted fall prevention as a crucial area of focus in its safety regulations due to the high incidence and severe consequences associated with fall-related accidents.

While equipment accidents, slips and trips, and cuts and lacerations are all notable hazards that can lead to injuries on construction sites, the prevalence of falls, especially in environments with so many potential height-related dangers, positions them as the leading cause of injuries. This highlights the importance of implementing and adhering to safety protocols specifically designed to mitigate fall risks in construction work.