Safety Tip: Be Aware of Construction Hazards
As building season returns, many construction workers will be back on the job – and in danger of construction injuries. OSHA reports that nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average for all industries. Prominent safety signs can help keep your workers safe:
Potential hazards for workers in construction:
– Falls (from heights)
– Trench collapse
– Scaffold collapse
– Electric shock and arc flash/arc blast
– Failure to use proper personal protective equipment; and
– Repetitive motion injuries
For construction sites, the 10 OSHA standards most frequently cited are:
1. Scaffolding
2. Fall protection (scope, application, definitions)
Excavations (general requirements)
4. Ladders
5. Head protection
6. Excavations (requirements for protective systems)
7. Hazard communication
8. Fall protection (training requirements)
9. Construction (general safety and health provisions)
10. Electrical (wiring methods, design and protection)
ANSI NOTICE Hard Hat Area Sign
The key to staying smart and staying safe is to keep your brain where it’s supposed to be. Construction sites employ 6.5 million people across the country, and are dangerous places to work. preventing an unfortunate accident requires use of proper safety equipment, knowledge of safety procedures, and understanding the best practices for the task at hand.