In-company same- and low-level falls: From an understanding of such accidents to their prevention

A same- or low-level fall is often considered a common place occupational a ccident, in the face of which the prevention officer remains powerless. As a result, prevention practices invariably fall short in respect of the risk involved. Efficiency of the relevant prevention is directly dependent on k nowledge of accident circumstances and context. The present paper provides a summary of information covering same- (or low-) level falls occurring whi lst at work, along with recommendations for their prevention. The following aspects involving occupational accident statistics are discussed: scale an d seriousness of the risk, most affected occupational sectors, circumstance s under which these accidents occur. An introduction is then provided to th e various risk factors (technical, organizational or behavioural) which can cause loss of balance in normal and disrupted working situations. These fa ctors have been ascertained from available literature on the subject or acc ident reports. Finally, numerous recommendations for prevention are derived and guidelines are suggested for study and research.