Some tips to keep in mind to prevent being hurt on a construction site and what to do if you do.
It is vital that everyone avoid injuries on construction sites, whether you’re a construction worker, workside manager, the owner of the property or the company hired to take on the contract. Injuries on a construction site are among the worst you can suffer over any job. Here are some pointers for preventing some of the typical mishaps.
The construction business employs over 7 million people in the United States.
Despite construction being the most dangerous profession, in terms of workplace deaths, dedicated individuals who make up that 7 million number provide vital labor that contributes to the overall economy and our way of life. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 1,000 construction-related deaths back in 2017, which accounts for a death in almost 10 people for every 100,000 full-time employees.
Anyone that is injured is encouraged to engage with a construction accident lawyer to know what their options are. Legal advice is as important as safety. There’s always an accident lawyers free consultation to take advantage of, and you can make a decision from there.
There are steps you may take to avoid both accidents and injuries if you work in the construction sector or hire people who work in similar jobs.
Injuries That Happen The Most In Construction
The following are the injuries that cause deaths the most in the construction business, according to OSHA:
– Falling from high places
– Being electrocuted
– Hit by a dangerous item
– Crushed or trapped in machinery
Suggestions for Avoiding Construction-Related Injuries and Deaths
1. Educate all workers about safety.
Workplace safety rules should be provided to every worker, as well as management. Part of it is being knowledgeable about the potential risks that may arise on their job locations.
Every company should have a documented safety policy that covers the following topics:
– Procedures for maintaining safety
– Be aware of any possible risks that could happen at the work site (including chemicals)
– Operating instructions for equipment
– Protocols all workers need to adhere by in case of an emergency
– A trained first responder’s name and where they are located
– When and how to contact for assistance if someone is hurt
All workers should be given hands-on training, as well as demonstrations on how they are required to work with both chemicals and equipment, in addition to safety documents.
2. Prepare ahead of time and control dangers.
Before construction starts, a qualified safety specialist should assess each site to search for unique dangers. If any are identified during this assessment people, it should be in a list of hazards unique to the work. Every worker should know these dangers and how to deal with it if they are working with them or in the same area.
Everyone Should Communicate!
On a jobsite, everyone should understand how to talk to each other about a danger and how to prevent it. To notify personnel of the presence of dangers like loose cables, high voltage or falling debris, clear signage should be properly posted.
3. Every worker should be dressed correctly and wear adequate protection gear.
PPE (personal protection equipment) isn’t only for doctors. It also covers any clothing or equipment that a worker needs to keep safe while doing their duties.
This could consist of the following:
– Hard helmets when required
– Steel-toed footwear or whatever is required
– Eye protection
– Hearing protection
– Gloves for construction
– Hats or long-sleeve shirts
– Clothing for high-visibility
