Construction sites are undoubtedly hazardous sites to work on. Even with safety equipment and training, workers in this industry continue to sustain injuries at the site. So why do these incidents keep happening? Read on to find out.
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous and with good reason. Statistics have shown workers in this industry have a 71 percent higher injury rate than workers from other sectors.
Moreover, one in every five worker deaths in the US is from the construction industry. It is vital to reevaluate working conditions and safety measures to reverse this trend.
Common Causes of Accidents on Construction Sites
Safety at the construction site should always be a priority. With numerous hazards on site, following safety guidelines to protect workers is crucial. Here are some common accidents and how to prevent them.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Unsecured ladders, faulty scaffolding, and a lack of safety railings on site often cause falls from great heights. This lack of safety is the leading cause of accidents on site, making up 33.5 percent of construction site fatalities.
Falls often cause severe injuries such as spinal, head, and brain injuries or death in worse scenarios. Workers can also trip over loose cables, wrongly placed equipment, and holes in the ground.
Employers and workers can do the following to mitigate slips, trips, and falls:
- Ensure workers have the right personal protection equipment (PPE)
- Keep pathways clear of obstructions
- Ensure workers are adequately trained for the job
- Conduct a site inspection before construction begins
- Use guard rails on areas prone to these accidents
- Always use ladders in good condition and always secure them before use.
Impact From Objects
Accidents from being struck by objects lead to 11 percent of construction site fatalities. They might occur from falling and flying objects or impact from vehicles.
Objects falling from great heights, whether small or big, can be catastrophic due to the force at which they strike an object or a person. Failing equipment and collapsing scaffolds could cause serious concussions, head, brain, back, and neck injuries, broken bones, or death.
To reduce these accidents, the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) requires workers and employers to:
- Secure all tools and materials while working
- Barricade hazardous areas and post warning signs on places where objects could easily fall
- Wear protective gear at all times
- Use equipment to catch or divert falling equipment
- Train workers on object safety
Electric Shock
Construction workers sometimes use electrical equipment when doing their jobs. Therefore, they are constantly at risk of electrocution from faulty wiring and gears. Electric shocks could result in burns, scarring, nerve damage, and death.
Nearly 8.5 percent of construction work fatalities are caused by electrocution from contact with power lines, lack of ground faults, and improper use of chords. Below are some ways to prevent electrocution hazards:
- Ensure all equipment used on site is properly grounded
- Inspect all equipment before use, and check for power cord wear and tear
- Provide employees with PPEs when working with electrical components
- Ensure only qualified workers carry out electrical work
- Ensure employees are familiar with the locations of overhead and underground power lines
Key Takeaways
Safety at the construction site is a growing source of concern. Thus, employees and workers are responsible for following safety regulations provided by related bodies. If you are injured on-site, you may be entitled to compensation benefits. Call injury attorney Frank Tomeny.
