Schoenfisch A, Lipscomb H, Cameron W, Adams D, Silverstein B. Rates of and circumstances surrounding work-related falls from height among union drywall carpenters in Washington State, 1989-2008.
JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2014;
51:117-124. [PMID:
25453185 DOI:
10.1016/j.jsr.2014.09.007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Drywall installers are at high risk for work-related falls from height (FFH).
METHODS
We defined a 20-year (1989-2008) cohort of 5,073 union drywall carpenters in Washington State, their worker-hours, and FFH. FFH rate patterns were examined using Poisson regression.
RESULTS
Drywall installers' FFH rates declined over time and varied little by worker age and time in the union. However, among FFH involving drywall sheets, workers with <10 union years were at high risk. Narratives consistently described the surface from which workers fell, commonly scaffolds (33%), ladders (21%), and stilts (13%). Work task, height fallen, protective equipment use, work speed, weather, influence of other workers/workgroups, and tool/equipment specifics were not often reported.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
In addition to continued efforts to prevent falls from scaffolds and ladders, efforts should address stilt use and less experienced workers who may have greater exposure. Consistency in reported narrative elements may improve FFH risk factor identification and prevention effort evaluation.
Collapse