Don’t Fall for False Security: Tie Off Right at Any Height

Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction—and steel erection is among the most hazardous trades when it comes to working at height. Despite increased awareness and enforcement, the industry continues to lose workers each year due to falls. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2022, more than one-third of all construction fatalities were fall-related. Within the structural steel industry, the danger is amplified by dynamic working environments, incomplete structures, frequent transitions between tasks that expose workers to open edges, unstable decking, and unprotected connections.

OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will take place May 5–9, 2025. SEAA proudly supports this nationwide effort to raise awareness and prevent fall-related incidents on the job. For 2025, the message is clear: Don’t Fall for False Security. Tie Off Right at Any Height. Falls from 25 feet—and even as low as 6 feet—can be fatal or result in life-altering injuries. Just because the exposure is short-term, or “routine” does not mean it’s safe.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics census data from 2011 to 2018, 60% of falls occurred from 25 feet or less, accounting for 1,556 fatalities. And 2019 data from CPWR shows that 21% of those occurred from heights of 11 to 15 feet.

Remind Workers to Assess Risk

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It’s not enough to comply with regulations on paper. Contractors must develop a proactive culture that prioritizes training, planning, and the correct use of fall protection equipment, especially in high-risk situations like setting steel beams, installing decking, or walking the iron. Many serious injuries occur during brief exposures under 20 feet, such as while exiting aerial lifts or climbing ladders to access mezzanines or decking platforms.

Plan ahead and assess every task. Begin each project with a fall hazard analysis that identifies every area where exposure may occur, including during decking, bolt-up, or transitioning between members. Use pre-task planning meetings and daily safety huddles to review fall protection requirements and coordinate responsibilities.

Train crews to recognize these overlooked hazards, and encourage tie-off even when the risk seems minimal. Safety gear should be as instinctive as wearing a seatbelt.

Provide the right equipment and ensure it’s used correctly. Fall arrest systems must be matched to the task. This includes using beam anchors, retractable lifelines, horizontal lifeline systems, and proper anchorage rated at 5,000 lbs. Equip workers with harnesses that fit correctly and are inspected before every use.

For example, even when installing decking at 15 to 30 feet, workers must wear harnesses and be tied off at all times unless a controlled decking zone (CDZ) is properly implemented and monitored. However, CDZs are not a substitute for training or proper supervision.

A Culture of Leadership

Supervise, coach, and lead by example. The most effective safety programs are those where field leaders take ownership of fall prevention. Encourage foremen and lead ironworkers to model correct behavior, enforce tie-off policies, and coach younger or less experienced workers on best practices.

Falls often occur when productivity is prioritized over safety or when workers cut corners to save time. Create an environment where no one feels pressured to take unsafe shortcuts and where speaking up about fall hazards is encouraged and rewarded.

Document and improve continuously. Track near misses, conduct jobsite audits, and hold post-task reviews to evaluate what worked—and what didn’t. Use that feedback to adjust safety plans and training programs. Make safety dynamic, not static.

Resources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, TED: The Economics Daily
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.760(a)(1)
  
• SEAA February 2025 Safety Flash: Fall Protection for Work 20 Feet and Under
• SEAA October 2024 Safety Flash: Drop Test Results Highlight Essential Fall Protection Strategies for Steel Decking Safety

This Safety Flash was contributed by SEAA’s Safety and Education Committee. It’s designed to keep members informed about ongoing safety issues and to provide suggestions for reducing risk. Best practices are gathered from a variety of sources. They may be more or less stringent than individual corporate policies and are not intended to be an official recommendation from SEAA. Always get approval and direction from your company officers on any new practice or procedure as these best practices may not work for all situations.  

Everyone benefits when a worker avoids injury. Submit your ideas for Safety Flash to [email protected].