Falls from height: analysis of 114 cases

Abstract Paper aims To study fall-accident cases in order to analyze the commonly missing or not adequately applied risk management measures (RMM) and its consequences depending on falling height. Originality First study to analyze failed RMM for preventing falls from height. Research method The study reviewed court cases published by the journal “Safety & Health Practitioner”. NIOSH recommendations were used to define RMM to apply to this study. Main findings Finally, in 98% of analyzed cases, the fall from height was a result of several non-adequate or missing RMM: in 81.6% procedures of work, 65.8% guardrails and edge protection, 60.5% risk assessment, and 60.5% platforms or scaffolds. It can be concluded that falls from height pose a significant risk for workers, which could be prevented by adequately apply RMM. Implications for theory and practice The focus in the prevention of falls should be given on most common RMM.摘要 研究目的：本研究旨在通过分析高空坠落事故案例，探究普遍缺失或未充分落实的风险管理措施（Risk Management Measures, RMM），并结合坠落高度分析其所引发的后果。研究创新性：本研究为首个针对高空坠落防护领域失效风险管理措施展开系统性分析的学术研究。研究方法：本研究梳理了"Safety & Health Practitioner"期刊公开发表的法庭诉讼案例，并采用美国国家职业安全与健康研究所（National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH）提出的相关建议，作为本研究中风险管理措施的界定标准。主要研究结果：最终在98%的被分析案例中，高空坠落事故均由多项未充分落实或缺失的风险管理措施引发：其中作业程序类问题占比81.6%，护栏与边缘防护缺失占比65.8%，风险评估缺失占比60.5%，作业平台或脚手架相关措施缺失占比60.5%。据此可得出结论：高空坠落对劳动者构成显著安全风险，通过充分落实风险管理措施可有效避免此类事故的发生。理论与实践启示：高空坠落预防工作应将重点聚焦于占比最高的几类风险管理措施。