If your biggest safety issue at work is spilling hot coffee all over you, consider yourself lucky. Those in the construction field are exposed to dangers that pose a threat to their safety almost every day. Data from a National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries shows that construction laborers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the US.
No matter how many safety regulations are put in place, construction sites are still highly hazardous and unfortunately, injuries and death are a common occurrence. Here is a list of the most common injuries in the construction field and how to prevent them:
1. Slips and Trips. Construction sites aren’t exactly the most tidy. They can be filled with a number of materials and substances laying around. Oil spills or other liquid spills also pose a hazard to workers. As a result, injuries from tripping over obstacles are the most common injury in construction.
Prevention Tip: Keep high-traffic areas clear of clutter at all times. Cleaning up a work area is often overlooked but can make a big difference. If an employee encounters a spill, they should report it to their manager right away.
2. Falls. Injuries from heightened areas happen often due to the fact that so many construction projects are carried out in elevated areas. The reasons workers sustain injuries from falls is due to the lack of guardrails in place.
Prevention Tip: Ensure that sufficient guardrails are in place, as well as making sure scaffolding is sturdy. At extreme heights, workers should be equipped with safety gear such as harnesses and rope grabs.
3. Struck by falling objects. While it is required that construction workers wear safety protection, sometimes that isn’t enough. Falling objects such as tools, materials and other debris can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries. It’s best to try to prevent this from happening at all.
Prevention Tip: Fences and barricades can help prevent objects from falling and injuring workers below.
4. Electrocutions. Electrocutions can be deadly and electrical safety is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Common causes of injury and death include coming in contact with exposed electrical wires, defective machinery, and charged metal objects.
Prevention Tip: Most non-electrical workers have none to little knowledge of electrical safety standards. It’s important that your whole construction crew has basic electrical safety knowledge. Regular safety inspections are also a must.
5. Vehicle Related Accidents. One in three fatal construction accidents involves a vehicle. Whether it be a worker being hit by a reversing car, or workers being struck by forklift trucks, it’s often lack of training that’s to blame.
Prevention Tip: The proper training and vehicle-only areas can greatly reduce the chances of workers being injured by vehicles. Setting up signs and barriers will ensure that workers know that they should not be in that area.
Even though most construction workers are skilled and well trained, accidents still happen. While workers’ compensation is available, it’s usually not enough to cover the victim’s family. You need the help of experienced construction accident attorneys to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact The Kyle Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation.
