Fall Protection Tops OSHA’s List of Safety Violations in 2024

Every year, OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) publishes its list of the top 10 safety violations from the previous year. For 2024, fall protection violations are once again at the top of the list, with an alarming 6,307 total violations—more than double the next closest category.

This statistic isn’t just a number. It’s a clear reminder of the critical need for proper fall protection measures in the workplace. Whether on construction sites, rooftops, or elevated platforms, workers continue to face serious risks. Fall protection isn’t just about compliance; it’s about saving lives.

If you’re responsible for worker safety or purchasing safety equipment, here’s how you can take action to address this persistent hazard.

Understand the Risks

Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Many of these incidents happen because workers either don’t use fall protection equipment or use it incorrectly.

Common issues include failing to inspect equipment regularly, using worn or damaged harnesses and lanyards, and not wearing harnesses properly.

Lack of proper training is often a primary cause of these failures. By addressing these issues, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls in your workplace.

Assess Your Workplace

The first step to improving fall protection is identifying problem areas. Walk through your facility or job site and look for any tasks that involve working at height. Pay attention to areas like roofs, scaffolding, ladders, or any elevated work platforms. Document these areas and assess the potential hazards.

Martin Supply’s safety experts can help by conducting a thorough job safety analysis to pinpoint risks.

Invest in Proper Equipment

Having the right fall protection equipment is essential. Ensure that workers have access to high-quality harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines. Your team should also have anchors that are designed for the specific tasks at hand. Make sure all equipment meets OSHA standards and is inspected regularly for wear and tear. Remove any damaged items from service immediately.

Train and Educate

Even the best equipment won’t help if workers don’t know how to use it. Provide regular training on inspecting and wearing harnesses, as well as proper use of lanyards and anchors. Workers should also be able to recognize common hazards at height. Training isn’t a one-and-done process. Your team needs frequent refreshers to stay sharp and up to date on safety protocols.

Monitor and Improve

Ongoing monitoring is key to maintaining a safe workplace. Observe people at work to ensure they’re using fall protection equipment correctly and consistently. Take note of any gaps in your current processes and address them quickly.

Finally, be sure to recognize any hazards that aren’t currently a focus in your trainings.

Stay Proactive

Fall protection violations have topped OSHA’s list many times, but they don’t have to be a problem in your workplace. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your workers and avoid costly penalties. At Martin Supply, we’re committed to helping companies operate better and safer.

From safety training to the latest PPE solutions, we’re here to support your team.

Contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116 to learn how we can help you keep your workers safe at height.