To keep construction workers safe, organizations have to create a culture of safety within the workplace. Millions of people can be found working in the construction industry on hundreds of thousands of job sites every single day. Many of these construction sites are very hazardous places to work. Laborers and other individuals who work in the construction industry, structural iron and steel workers, and roofers have some of the most dangerous jobs in the United States.
The leading causes of private sector worker deaths (excluding highway collisions) in the construction industry were falls, followed by struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between. These “Fatal Four” were responsible for more than half (59.9%) the construction worker deaths in 2017, BLS reports.
Out of 4,674 worker fatalities in private industry in the calendar year 2017, 971 or 20.7% were in construction — that is, one in five worker deaths last year were in construction. 5,147 workers died on the job in 2017 (3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers) — on average, more than 99 a week or more than 14 deaths every day.
In many of these cases, lives could have been saved if proper safety procedures or accident-protection measures had been in place. Construction company owners and employers have a responsibility to their workers to keep construction workers safe from avoidable risks and to adhere to federal and state safety requirements for the industry.
To help encourage that culture of safety within your organization, here are 5 simple steps employers can take to keep construction workers safe:
ENSURE TRENCHES AND EXCAVATION SITES ARE SAFE
Unless trenches and excavation sites are made safe for workers, the possibility of collapse is high. Workers must be prohibited from entering an unprotected trench or excavation site. Employers should require all trenches to be built at the appropriate slope, make sure supports are installed and shielding is in place to prevent cave-ins. An easily accessible exit must be provided so workers have a way out of the trench should an emergency arise.
REGULARLY INSPECT TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT AND CONDUCT ROUTINE REPAIRS
Construction workers rely on their tools and depend on equipment being in working order so they can perform their assigned tasks. When workers do not have access to the proper tools, or equipment is allowed to fall into disrepair, it puts lives at risk.
Employers need to make a full effort to have tools and equipment regularly inspected. Establishing a routine maintenance and repair schedule can also keep tools and equipment in working order, thus minimizing the chance of accidents or injuries caused by equipment failures, product defects or workers using the wrong tools for the job.
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Construction workers may have to work with or around harmful chemicals and toxic substances as part of their jobs. While many may be aware of the chemical hazards in the work environment, some may not recognize the signs before it is too late. Employers can keep construction workers safe by making themselves aware of the hazards associated with chemicals and communicating these hazards to their workers.
Employers must post clear warning signs, as well as thoroughly train workers on the dangers and proper handling of such chemicals. Spill clean-up kits should be easily accessible in all areas where chemicals are used. Workers should also have a set plan to follow in case of a spill. Employers should assign one responsible individual to make sure all chemicals are stored safely and securely at the end of each day.
REQUIRE THE USE OF PROTECTIVE GEAR ON ALL JOB SITES
Requiring the use of helmets, safety glasses and other personal protective gear on all job sites is essential to prevent avoidable accidents and injuries. Employers should make sure employees have approved safety gear and are instructed on how to use it and why its use is necessary. Employers should routinely check whether workers are taking the safety precautions necessary to keep themselves and others safe.
A hardhat or helmet could mean the difference between a worker suffering a minor head injury or suffering a fatal blow from a falling object. Protective eyewear could help prevent serious eye injuries leading to permanent vision loss. Even the correct shoes, gloves, and other construction attire can dramatically reduce the chances of a worker suffering a burn injury, electrocution or potentially catastrophic hit.
REQUIRE THE USE OF FALL-PREVENTION EQUIPMENT AND CHECK REGULARLY FOR FALL DANGERS
Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Employers can significantly reduce the risk of workers suffering serious injuries as a result of a fall by requiring the use of safety equipment and conducting regular checks for potential fall dangers.
Any time a worker’s job requires him or her to work at an elevation, the worker should wear a body harness or other restraint system. Safety nets and covers should also be installed around the area to catch workers or objects that may fall in an accident. The risk of fall injuries can be reduced if employers make sure proper safety equipment and fall protection are in use, and inspections are conducted before work is begun each day.
By taking these measures, employers will be more equipped and able to protect their workers and minimize the risk of serious or fatal injuries at work.
It’s National Safety Week, so be sure to get at least OSHA10 certified. Wearing PPE is important, but showing you’re competent enough to understand safety is just as important. Contact us today to help you take the steps in getting OSHA training certification.
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