As the season of fall approaches, it’s a good reminder to think about another kind of fall—the kind that happens on the jobsite.

Construction is fast-paced, and it can be tempting to rush or skip steps to save time. But a single misstep can change everything. Falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities and remain OSHA’s most-cited violation year after year. So, let’s use the season as a reminder to recommit to fall safety practices that protect lives.

Fall safety starts with fall prevention and fall protection. Prevention stops falls from happening in the first place, through guardrails, scaffolds, or even planning work at ground level. Protection, on the other hand, minimizes injury if a fall does occur, using tools like harnesses, lifelines, or safety nets. Both are critical for keeping workers safe.

The most common causes of falls often come down to:

  • Missing guardrails
  • Improper use (or lack) of harnesses
  • Carrying tools while climbing
  • Rushing
  • Inconsistent training.

The good news is that these risks are preventable.

Lessons Learned: Building Safer Jobsites

Improving fall safety requires more than equipment—it takes a culture shift. Here are steps every team can take:

  • Provide hands-on training and refreshers regularly
  • Plan ahead and assess every site for fall hazards
  • Inspect and maintain harnesses, anchors, and guardrails
  • Lead by example. When leaders take safety seriously, crews follow
  • Encourage workers to speak up when they see risks

As the leaves start to turn, let’s make sure the only falls we talk about are the seasonal kind.

Take one step today: review your gear, walk your site, or schedule a quick training. Small actions add up to big protection and they save lives.