Technology Tools for Advancing Fall Prevention in Construction

Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five workplace fatalities occurred in the construction industry, with nearly 40% of these deaths resulting from slips, trips and falls. Behind these statistics are real workers who didn't make it home to their families – parents, spouses and friends whose absence leaves a permanent void.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), with support from the National Safety Council and dozens of other groups, urges employers to engage workers in conversations, training and activities to prevent falls during the 2025 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction Week, taking place May 5-9.

Why Falls Happen and How to Prevent Them

According to The Center for Construction Research and Training, falls commonly result from inadequate planning, improper or missing fall protection and insufficient training. Addressing these specific issues through a proactive and multi-layered approach can significantly reduce the risk of serious incidents and fatalities (SIFs) on the job site.

OSHA outlines three simple steps to prevent falls:

Plan: Before working at heights, develop and communicate a site-specific fall prevention plan that identifies all the potential hazards (e.g., open edges, wall or window openings, stairwells) and outlines the specific controls to mitigate each risk. Build regular inspections into your process to catch changing conditions and new hazards. Establish clear procedures for tracking and maintaining equipment. 

Provide: Equip workers with fall protection for their specific job. Install guardrails, hole covers and physical barriers wherever fall hazards exist. When using personal fall arrest systems, ensure they fit properly and are regularly inspected.

Train: Deliver hands-on, practical training that covers proper equipment use, hazard recognition and emergency procedures. Reinforce key concepts through regular toolbox talks and coaching.

Technology Solutions That Save Lives

Beyond traditional safeguards, innovative technologies are revolutionizing fall prevention at construction sites. The following solutions are organized by the hierarchy of controls, from most effective (elimination) to least effective (PPE):

Elimination

• Drones: Keep workers safely on the ground while drones with high-resolution cameras perform inspections, surveys and other overhead work that would traditionally require climbing

Substitution

• Aerial Lifts and Platforms: Replace ladders or scaffolding with an enclosed platform that provides workers with stable footing and built-in guardrails while working at height

Engineering Controls

• Passive Fall Prevention: Install temporary guardrails, toe boards and hole covers to physically prevent workers from stepping off elevated structures
• Active Fall Protection: Deploy fall restraint systems and self-retracting lines that prevent workers from reaching fall hazards and automatically lock during a sudden drop

Administrative Controls

• EHS Software and Applications: Manage critical safety elements like permit management, inspections, training and corrective actions to ensure proper procedures are followed before work at height begins
• Virtual Reality Training: Immerse workers in realistic scenarios where they can practice identifying hazards and responding to dangerous situations without actual risk

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Wearables: Equip workers with devices that enable two-way communication, location tracking and automatic alerts when someone enters a danger zone or falls
• Smart PPE: Provide helmets and vests with embedded sensors that detect falls or impacts and immediately notify supervisors for faster emergency response

Take Action Now

Falls are preventable. During this year's Stand-Down week, take time to review your fall prevention program, inspect equipment and have meaningful safety conversations with your team. Try implementing at least one new technology solution discussed above to further protect your workers. 

For more resources, including case studies, implementation guides and technology assessment tools, visit the Work to Zero initiative at nsc.org/worktozero. Remember, the goal isn't just preventing statistics, it's making sure every worker returns home safely to their family each day. 

The Work to Zero initiative is a National Safety Council program funded by the McElhattan Foundation to eliminate workplace fatalities through the use of technology.