Electricity
Electrocution is a very real concern on a construction site. Exposure to live wires and power lines pose danger to workers if they are not handled properly. To prevent any injuries from occurring, contractors must identify all of the locations of power lines and exposed wiring and make sure that workers are notified of this information as well. A second necessary precaution is making sure that all workers who will be working with electrical equipment are properly trained and educated on the proper procedures before proceeding with the job.
Working Up High
Working up high in a construction site can lead to serious injuries if you’re not careful. Between 2016 and 2017, 50 percent of construction deaths were caused by people falling from heights, making working up high one of the most prevalent workplace hazards in the industry. To prevent workers from falling, proper equipment should be used to break falls. Such equipment may include, but is not limited to, safety nets, guardrails, fall arrest systems and secured scaffolding.
Moving Objects
Workers colliding with equipment that is flying, swinging, falling or rolling is very common in construction. In fact, it happens so often that it is the second-highest cause of death in the industry. Avoiding injuries from moving objects requires contractors to make sure that workers are making use of a variety of protective equipment. These include safety goggles, hard hats and face shields in the case that a flying object should strike workers. Other procedures that should be enforced are requiring workers to identify that there is no chance of somebody getting hit when equipment is in motion and checking their blind spots before and during tasks.
While construction work is prone to hazards, these can be avoided. Properly empowering workers with the information and tools they need can make sure they stay safe. By ensuring that procedures and equipment are readily available, you are creating a safe and productive work environment for all parties involved.