How to Evaluate Fall Hazards
Determine Probability
The probability, or likelihood, of a fall depends primarily on three factors (there are others):
The likelihood of a fall depends mainly on three factors.
- Frequency of exposure: The more frequently a worker is exposed to a fall hazard the more likely it is that the worker could fall.
- Duration of exposure: The longer a worker is exposed to a particular hazard, the greater the likelihood of a fall.
- Scope of exposure: The greater the number of workers exposed to a hazard, or the greater number of similar hazards in a given area increases the likelihood of a fall.
No Parachute!
Determine Severity
Severity is an estimate of how serious the injury will be as a result of a fall. Estimating the severity of an injury for any given fall is difficult because it is a matter of chance or luck more than anything else.
A basic rule when it comes to severity of an injury after a fall is that, "it's not the fall that gets you, it's that sudden deceleration after." Seriously, the factors that determines the severity of a fall include:
- Distance of the fall: A person in free-fall will accelerate until he or she reaches a terminal velocity of about 120 mph. As you can see by watching the video to the right, this does not always mean the body will suffer a fatal injury. Severity depends on the other factors as well.
- Speed of deceleration: The faster you stop or decelerate at impact, the greater the impact forces on the body and severity of injury.
- Nature of the surface: The "hardness" of the surface upon which the worker falls affects the intensity of the impact and the severity of injury.
- Orientation of the body at impact: Severity of the injury also depends on the position of the body when it strikes the surface, and that is a matter of luck more than anything else.
- Origin of the fall: Where you fall from: roof, scaffold, stairs, etc., is the least important factor that determines the severity of the injury. People have fallen out of airplanes and lived while others have fallen only a few feet off a step and died. The other factors are far more important.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-6. What is the LEAST important factor that determines the severity of injury from a fall?
You forgot to answer the question!