Russian roulette on Swiss roofs
Every third occupational accident resulting in permanent damage or death is a fall accident. A new analysis of occupational accident figures by Suva shows: The consequences of falling less than five meters are underestimated. This is because around 50 % of fatal fall accidents occur from heights of up to five meters.
Suva currently records around 9,000 occupational fall accidents per year. 280 of these accident victims suffer permanent damage. In 22 cases, the fall accident even ends fatally. The fact is that a "vital rule" is violated in practically every fall accident. If these rules are followed consistently, a crash will not occur in the first place. The fact that adhering to these rules is the only way to protect oneself against the serious consequences of a fall is shown by the following examples Fall simulations the Working Group for Accident Mechanics AGU. On behalf of Suva, it analyzed the consequences of fall accidents from various heights.
Be it from three, five or eight meters: there is a high risk that the impact will be head first. Consequently, the primary risk of injury in the event of a severe Traumatic brain injury, which often leads to disability or death. But even if the impact is to the back, the most serious injuries, such as paraplegia, can result. "A fall takes a very short time. At three meters, for example, less than a second. During this time, the person falling has no chance to influence the fall and the impact," says Markus Muser, accident researcher at AGU.
Crashes can be prevented
Suva, in collaboration with the industries concerned, drew up the basic principles years ago to prevent falls at work from happening in the first place. These are the "Vital Rules" and the "Safety at Work Rules". STOP message. "The 'rules of life' as well as the legitimacy to stop work in case of danger are known in the companies," says André Meier, head of the occupational safety department at Suva. Nevertheless, fall accidents are not decreasing.
Workers would have to be aware that they are gambling with their lives if they do not stop work unless one of the "vital rules" is disregarded. Employers, on the other hand, would have to fulfill their duty to instruct and enforce the rules. "The only way to protect against falls is to consistently follow the 'Vital rules'. Everything else is Russian roulette," says Meier.
Text: SUVA
