Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
In the construction industry, safety should always come first. Yet, falls remain one of the most common and deadly risks on job sites across the United States. For construction workers in Tulsa and beyond, these Accidents might result in permanent incapacity, severe injury, or even death. Most of these incidents are preventable with proper planning, training, and equipment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has made fall prevention a priority. Their nationwide campaign focuses on reducing the number of falls that happen on construction sites each year. The goal is simple: keep workers safe by making sure the proper steps are taken before, during, and after every job.
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. Whether it’s slipping off a ladder, falling from scaffolding, or stepping into an unguarded hole, these accidents happen far too often.
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. In 2022, 395 out of 1,069 construction fatalities were due to falls. — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
In Oklahoma, construction workers face many of the same risks. Tulsa has a growing number of building projects, and with them comes increased exposure to high platforms, roofs, and open edges. Even one missed step or lack of proper gear can lead to devastating outcomes.
To help address this issue, OSHA launched a campaign focused on three straightforward steps:
PLAN: Before work begins, employers should plan how tasks will be done safely. This includes identifying areas where falls might happen and deciding what equipment will be needed.
PROVIDE: Employers must supply the right gear, including harnesses, ladders, scaffolds, and protective equipment that meets OSHA standards
TRAIN: Workers need training on how to use the equipment correctly and how to recognize potential hazards.
OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign is built around three core messages: PLAN to complete the task safely; supply the appropriate tools; and instruct all personnel on how to use the tools safely. — OSHA Campaign Materials
This simple approach has helped reduce accidents across many job sites. When these steps are followed consistently, workers are much less likely to get hurt.
To support safer work practices, OSHA and the Center for Construction Research and Training released a mobile app focused on ladder safety. The app helps workers check if a ladder is placed at the right angle and offers tips on safe usage.
The OSHA Ladder Safety app has been downloaded over 63,000 times, helping improve ladder setup and reduce fall risks across job sites. — OSHA.gov
Construction sites should be equipped with other safety measures in addition to mobile tools. These include hard hats, harnesses, toe boards, and clear signage near hazards. Employers are expected to inspect all gear and ensure workers know how to use it properly.
Under OSHA regulations, employers are legally required to provide a safe work environment.
This includes:
In Oklahoma, workers’ compensation may cover fall-related construction injuries. However, if the employer ignored safety rules, A different personal injury claim might have merit. Each case depends on the specific circumstances and the extent of the injuries involved.
If you or someone you know is injured in a fall on the job, the first step is to seek medical care. After that, report the injury to your supervisor and make sure an incident report is filed. Keep records of all treatment, lost wages, and any equipment involved in the incident.
In Oklahoma, workers’ compensation may cover medical bills and a portion of lost income. However, when injuries are severe or caused by safety violations, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Consulting with a Tulsa workplace injury lawyer can help you figure out the best next steps.
Hazard | Risk Description | Required OSHA Safety Measures |
| Unsecured ladders | Tipping, slipping, improper angle | 3-point contact, secured base, ladder inspection |
| Incomplete scaffolds | Collapse, falls from height | Guardrails, proper planking, scaffold training |
| Roof edge work | Falls from unprotected edges | Fall arrest systems, harnesses, warning lines |
| Unguarded floor openings | Falls through holes or gaps | Covers, railings, signage |
| Improper use of PPE | Failure to wear harness or helmet | PPE training, fit testing, consistent enforcement |
Falls cause more deaths in construction than any other type of accident. Most are preventable with proper planning, safety gear, and training, which is why OSHA emphasizes fall prevention so much.
The campaign encourages employers to plan safe jobs, provide fall protection, and train workers. It offers tools, guidance, and resources to reduce fall-related injuries and deaths on construction sites.
Ladders, guardrails, harnesses, and scaffold systems are standard tools. OSHA’s free Ladder Safety app also helps ensure ladders are set up correctly to prevent accidents.
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If unsafe conditions or OSHA violations were involved, a personal injury claim might also be possible.
Employers who fail to follow OSHA rules and someone gets hurt on the job can face fines, inspections, and legal consequences.
Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries in Oklahoma. Construction workers face the highest risks, especially when safety measures aren’t enforced properly.
Construction work doesn’t have to come with a high risk of injury. By following OSHA’s guidance—planning, using the right gear, and training workers properly—many fall-related injuries and deaths can be avoided. In a growing city like Tulsa, construction safety is more important than ever.
If you’ve been hurt in a fall at work and believe your injury could have been prevented, it’s worth learning about your options. The team at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers understands how devastating these injuries can be and can help you navigate what comes next.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
