rkers confront serious hazards on a regular basis.  Among these workers, falling from heights or elevated surfaces contribute to some of the most serious injuries and compensation costs.  Historically, falls are the leading cause of death in construction, accounting for approximately one third of all fatalities in the industry.  Construction industry employers have a responsibility to provide the training and equipment necessary to apply fall prevention methods and the fall arrest systems to personally protect the workers who are at risk of falling to lower levels.  Before exposing workers to potential fall hazards, employers must assess the workplace to determine if walking or working surfaces have the necessary strength and structural integrity to safely support the workers.  Once it is determined that the work surfaces will safely support the work activity, the employer must determine whether fall protection is required (using the requirements set forth in 29 CFR 1926.501) and, if so, select and provide workers with fall protection systems that comply with the criteria found in 29 CFR 1926.502.  Are you protecting your workers from falling from elevated surfaces?  It is worth your time to learn more about fall protection, and most importantly, it is worth your monetary investment to implement the necessary training program and safety equipment systems to protect your workers every day, on every job.  For more information on Fall Protection and Prevention, or other construction industry safety questions or concerns, please contact PGM Safety Services, an affiliate company of Pro Group Management, at (800) 859-3177 and we will be happy to assist you.