Spring Safety Tips

Minnesota OSHA inspectors are actively citing public entities for employees working at heights—particularly on roofs—without adequate guardrails or fall protection systems in place. These enforcement actions highlight a persistent and dangerous issue across schools, municipalities, utilities, and other public-sector facilities: uncontrolled fall hazards.

Citations in recent months have been issued as serious violations.  Citation fees for serious violations can be issued up to $15,625 per violation.

Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities, and working at heights without proper protection significantly increases risk. Employers are responsible for identifying and addressing these hazards before employees step onto elevated surfaces.

Common Hazards When Working at Heights

Work at heights introduces multiple hazards that can quickly lead to severe injury or death if not properly controlled. Common risks include:

• Unprotected roof edges and openings
• Lack of guardrails, warning lines, or personal fall arrest systems
• Slips from wet or icy surfaces, which are especially common in Minnesota’s climate
• Improper access points, such as ladders or hatches that do not meet safety standards
• Unmarked skylights or roof penetrations, which can be mistaken for stable surfaces
• Inadequate training or unclear procedures, leading to unsafe work practices

Even tasks perceived as “routine” maintenance can expose workers to dangerous fall risks when proper controls are not in place.

Why Working From Heights Is So Dangerous

Falls from heights can result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, internal organ injuries, and fatalities. Beyond physical harm, fall incidents can:

• Disrupt operations and critical services
• Lead to costly OSHA citations and fines
• Increase workers’ compensation and insurance costs
• Expose organizations to legal liability
• Damage public trust and organizational reputation

Many fall incidents are entirely preventable with proper planning, engineering controls, and training.

How Our Company Helps Reduce Fall Risk

Many falls on the job can be prevented by implementing effective fall protection measures. Several OSHA standards require employers to take specific fall protection safety steps to prevent workplace falls.

At the Institute for Environmental Assessment (IEA), our workplace safety experts help you understand what OSHA fall protection requirements apply to your site and work duties and how to implement compliant protocols, such as fall protection safety gear and equipment.

A comprehensive fall protection program is an excellent investment to minimize the risk of injury, limit liability, and improve productivity.

Our Fall Protection Services

Customized Programs to Keep Employees Safe

We help organizations across various industries and risk environments implement OSHA-compliant working-from-heights and fall protection programs, including:

• Developing a customized fall protection program that complies with regulations specific to your facility and site conditions
• Evaluating fall hazard risks across rooftops, elevated surfaces, and access points
• Recommending process improvements and fall protection equipment to reduce exposure
• Creating a clear action plan to address identified hazards
• Providing training for employees and supervisors on fall protection requirements and safe work practices
• Managing projects to mitigate fall risk, from planning through implementation
• Creating site-specific fall hazard mapping and documentation to support training, inspections, and ongoing program management

Proactive Compliance Protects People and Organizations

Minnesota OSHA enforcement underscores the importance of proactive fall risk management. Waiting for an inspection—or worse, an incident—is costly. Identifying hazards, training employees, and implementing compliant fall protection measures protects workers while strengthening regulatory compliance.

IEA is committed to helping organizations create safer work environments at height—before citations, injuries, or fatalities occur.