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A recent Engineering News-Record article argues that improvised, noncompliant fall protection is in some ways worse than no fall protection at all.
In his piece published in February 2025, ENR's Deputy Editor Richard Korman examined the tragic case of siding installer Siarhei Marhunou, who in December 2021 fell to his death from the balcony of a Philadelphia residence undergoing renovation.
According to Korman’s article, an expert witness for Marhunou’s widow reported in her negligence lawsuit against the companies on the project that the protective guardrail on the balcony was too low to meet the federal standard for edge barriers where a ladder was in use and lacked a midrail.
Marhunou reportedly smashed through 2x4s that were part of the guardrail as he went over the balcony edge, falling 50 ft. and sustaining sever head and chest injuries that killed him. He was not wearing a harness or tie-off.
“Fatal falls continue to account for the greatest number of construction deaths, stubbornly staying in the 250-300 range each year from 2018-22, according to U.S. Labor Dept. data,” Korman wrote. “The department says it investigated fewer construction deaths from falls in the last two years, 234 and 189, respectively. A small but persistent subset of those accidents involve barriers that fail to meet federal standards: thin plywood boards dropped over slab openings, ramp edges “protected” by tape or rope and improvised, sometimes rickety wooden guardrails nailed together with whatever extra materials were on hand.
“These improvised, noncompliant barriers are in some ways worse than a completely unprotected edge or opening,” Korman continued. “While they may focus attention on a hazard, they also tend to induce confidence where none should be placed, especially on construction of roof decks and slabs where safety harnesses and tie-offs aren’t being used.”
The Illusion of Safety
One of the most dangerous aspects of improvised fall protection is the false sense of security it provides. Workers may believe they are protected when the system in place is incapable of arresting a fall or may even contribute to injury. Using ropes not rated for fall arrest, tying off to unstable structures, or fashioning harnesses from non-certified materials can all lead to catastrophic failure during a fall event.
This illusion of safety can lead workers to take risks they might otherwise avoid if they knew they were unprotected.
Noncompliance Equals Unpredictability
Fall protection systems are governed by strict standards set by organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute). These standards are based on rigorous testing and engineering principles. Improvised systems, by their very nature, do not meet these standards. They are often cobbled together from available materials without regard for load ratings, anchor strength, or proper usage.
This kind of noncompliance introduces a high degree of unpredictability. A harness might look secure, but fail under dynamic load. An anchor point might hold static weight, but shear off during a fall. Without proper testing and certification, there is no way to know how an improvised system will perform until it’s too late.
Legal and Financial Consequences
From a legal standpoint, using noncompliant fall protection can be just as damning as having none at all. In the event of an accident, employers can face severe penalties, including fines, lawsuits, and even criminal charges if negligence is proven. Insurance claims may be denied if it’s found that safety protocols were not followed, leaving companies financially exposed.
Additionally, regulatory bodies like OSHA treat improvised systems as violations. A site inspection that uncovers such practices can result in stop-work orders, citations, and reputational damage that can affect future business opportunities.
Compromised Rescue Operations
Another overlooked danger of improvised fall protection is its impact on rescue operations. Certified fall protection systems are designed with rescue in mind – harnesses have attachment points for retrieval, and anchor systems are placed to allow for safe access. Improvised systems often lack these considerations, making it difficult or impossible to rescue a fallen worker quickly and safely.
Delayed rescue can lead to suspension trauma, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when a person is left hanging in a harness for too long. Inadequate systems can turn a survivable fall into a fatal incident.
A Culture of Complacency
Allowing or tolerating improvised fall protection fosters a culture of complacency. It sends a message that cutting corners is acceptable, which can permeate other aspects of site safety. Once workers see that safety rules are flexible, they may begin to ignore other critical protocols, increasing the overall risk on the job site.
In contrast, enforcing strict compliance with fall protection standards reinforces a culture of safety. It shows that management values worker well-being and is committed to maintaining a safe work environment.
How GPRS Helps Keep Your Job Sites Safe
At GPRS, safety is always on our radar. We sponsor several safety initiatives designed to provide you with the tools and resources to keep your job sites safe:
Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week: GPRS spends every January visiting job sites across the country to educate workers on the risks associated with cutting & coring concrete, including slips, trips and fall hazards, electrical shock, injuries like cuts and lacerations, structural damage, silica and dust exposure, and pinch points or kickbacks.
Construction Safety Week: During this annual event, our team members will visit job sites across the country to share best practices for a variety of workplace-related safety topics, including fall protection, confined spaces, heat stroke, and mental health. The focus of these safety meetings is on how each individual can make their space a safe space to work.
Together, we can reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on your job site.
Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week: The cost to maintain the United States' aging wastewater infrastructure is not just a financial issue; it is a public health, environmental, and social justice concern. This is why GPRS sponsors Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week (WSDAW), an education and safety initiative for water and wastewater professionals in municipalities, organizations, and large facilities. Through these free safety presentations, we hope to help these individuals and entities regain control of their critical water and wastewater infrastructure.
