What Is the #1 Cause of Death in Construction?

Nationally, the leading cause of construction fatalities is see how it works falls—from roofs, ladders, and unprotected edges. On residential concrete jobs around Kansas City, that risk find details shows up near retaining walls, walk-out basements, stair openings, and during truck/pump setup. Understanding basic fall-prevention discover more practices helps see more homeowners spot a professional operation and protect everyone on site.

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Common Fall Scenarios on Concrete Projects

    Ladders & chutes: Overreaching to guide a chute or stepping onto unstable ground. Unprotected edges: Patio edges beside grade drops, open stairwells, or wall caps. Wet, slick surfaces: Fresh concrete, plastic sheeting, and rebar are slippery underfoot.

What a Safe Kansas City Jobsite Looks Like

    Housekeeping: Clear wheelbarrow paths, good lighting, and secured cords/hoses. Edge awareness: Marked edges, temporary guard solutions where feasible, and clear no-go zones. Access planning: Ramps or proper paths for buggies; no makeshift planks. PPE & tools: Eye/ear protection, gloves, boots with traction, and compliant saw-cut dust control.

Why Safety Improves Quality

When crews stage equipment and plan access, they place faster, consolidate better, and hit the joint-cut window on time. That means straighter joints, tighter edges, and fewer callbacks. Rushed or disorganized sites, by contrast, often show torn surfaces and crooked lines.

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Questions to Ask Your Contractor

    “Who’s the site lead for safety today?” “How will pedestrians and pets be separated from truck paths?” “What’s the plan for joint cutting and dust capture?”

Takeaway

Falls are the top killer in construction. Choose Kansas City contractors who plan edges, access, and cutting operations up front—your project will be safer and the finished concrete will look better, too.

Authority Reference

See OSHA Construction learn more for fall protection basics.