OSHA Fall Emphasis Program: What You Need To Know

Words: Dan Kamys

On May 1, the Department of Labor announced OSHA's new National Emphasis Program addressing falls. Falls are not only the top violation cited within construction, but also the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries.

The program is designed to reduce injuries and fatalities from falls, and will not be height or industry specific. In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 5,190 fatal workplace injuries with roughly 13% of those deaths caused by falls. 

The program provides instructions for OSHA officers to open inspections designed to locate and inspect fall hazards when someone is observed working at heights. In addition to the inspection component, there will also be an outreach campaign designed to teach employers ways to keep their teams safe. Should an OSHA officer determine that there is not a need for inspection after observation, they will provide information on fall protection and leave the site. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S NEWS RELEASE
CLICK HERE TO READ A PDF OF THE NATIONAL EMPHASIS PROGRAM 
CLICK HERE TO SEE OSHA'S PAGE ON FALL PROTECTION

Australian Bricks vs American Bricks: What 24 Hours of Travel Teaches You About the Trade
June 2026

Bricklaying might not change simply because you cross a state line. It does change when you travel 24 hours to the other side of the world and lay bricks under lights, cameras, and a stopwatch. The fundamentals of the trade are universal. Brick, mortar,

2026 Masonry Foundation Grants Now Open
June 2026

The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra

The “Small Job” Safety Trap: Why Safety Sometimes Fades When the Spotlight Disappears
June 2026

Before I was fortunate enough to lead Malta Dynamics, I spent a couple of years as a traveling salesman for the company. My territory covered the entire country (and some beyond), and in a typical year, I visited more than 100 jobsites across nearly every

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
June 2026

As a business owner and leader, taking the mental health of your employees seriously and understanding how it can impact their work is essential. In fact, one in five adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Addressing mental health is more