Falls from Different Levels in the South African Construction Industry

Overview

Falls from height remain a significant safety concern in the South African construction industry. According to the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM), which insures a substantial portion of the formal construction workforce, falls from different levels accounted for 10% of all accidents and 14% of fatal accidents between 2015 and 2024.

Key Statistics

• Total Injuries: Over 74,206 injuries requiring medical attention were reported from 2015 to 2024.
• Fall-Related Incidents: Of these, 7,635 cases were categorised as "falling to different levels."
• Fatalities: Falls contributed to 35% of all construction-related fatalities during this period.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to the high incidence of falls in the construction sector:

1. Working at risk positions
   • Frequent use of ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and unprotected edges without proper fall prevention systems (e.g., guardrails, harnesses).
2. Unstable or Improperly Maintained Equipment
   • Scaffolding/ladders failing due to poor assembly, lack of inspections, or overloading.
3. Inadequate Fall Protection
   • Missing or misused personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety harnesses, or failure to install safety nets/guardrails.
4. Slippery or Cluttered Surfaces
   • Wet/icy conditions, debris, or uneven flooring increasing trip/slip risks.
5. Human Factors
   • Fatigue, rushing, complacency, or lack of training in fall prevention protocols.
6. Poor Planning & Supervision
   • Inadequate risk assessments, unclear safety protocols, or lax enforcement of regulations (e.g., OSHA standards).
7. Environmental Hazards
   • Weather (wind, rain) or unstable ground (e.g., excavations) exacerbating risks
8. Lack of Training

• Insufficient education on safe work practices at fall risk positions

  Preventive Measures

  To mitigate the risk of falls, the following measures are recommended:

  Hierarchy of Fall Prevention Measures

  A. Elimination (Best Solution)

• Design out fall hazards (e.g., prefabricate structures at ground level).
• Use mechanical lifts (cherry pickers, scissor lifts) instead of ladders.




B. Engineering Controls (Passive Protection)

• Guardrails & Toeboards – Required for all platforms >1.5m (SANS 10085-1:2024 ).
• Safety Nets – Installed below high-risk work areas (Construction Reg. 7).
• Scaffolding – Must be SANS 10085-1:2024 -compliant, inspected weekly.




C. Administrative Controls (Safe Work Practices)

• Fall Protection Plan (FPP) – Must include:
• Hazard identification
• Correct PPE selection
• Emergency rescue procedures
• Toolbox Talks – Daily safety briefings on fall risks.
• Signage & Barricades – Marking hazardous edges (SANS 1186).




D. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Last Line of Defence)

• Full-Body Harnesses – Must meet SANS 50361:2003 standards.
• Lanyards & Anchors – Anchorage points must withstand 6kN force. Additionally, if an anchor point is not specifically designed as an anchor point, it must have an additional safety factor and be able to withstand a force equivalent to 22kN
• Helmets & Non-Slip Boots – To prevent secondary injuries.




Conclusion

Falls from different levels pose a significant risk in the South African construction industry. By implementing comprehensive safety measures and fostering a culture of safety, the frequency and severity of such incidents can be reduced, ultimately protecting workers and enhancing overall site safety.

Key Takeaways for Reducing Falls:

• Comply with SA Laws – Follow OHSA, Construction Regulations, and SANS standards.
• Eliminate Hazards First – Use engineering controls (guardrails, safety nets) before relying on PPE.
• Train & Empower Workers – Ensure all personnel understand Fall Protection Plans (FPPs) and rescue procedures.
• Enforce Daily Safety Checks – Inspect scaffolding, ladders, and harnesses before each shift.
• Report & Learn from Incidents – Investigate near-misses to prevent future accidents.

A zero-fall mindset requires commitment at all levels, from management to on-site workers. By integrating technology, training, and strict compliance, the construction industry can save lives and build safer workplaces.

Source: https://roe.fem.co.za/Stats#/Accident-Stats

 Neil Enslin | Head: Occupational Health and Safety