Construction is a risky job and that’s why there are several safety protocols in place to keep workers safe. Regardless, there are still reports that construction-related accidents are on the rise. What are some common construction site injuries, and how can you avoid them? We’ll go over the main issues in this short guide.
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of accidents in construction sites. In 2019 alone, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded more than 400 deaths from construction falls. This doesn’t include the injuries that victims had to search using SEO for Personal injury lawyer to file a claim in court.
To avoid such dangerous falls, it is important to follow OSHA guidelines, such as wearing a harness properly. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve worked on the job; always put safety first. It helps to check that the harness is properly sized. An oversized harness is an accident waiting to happen.
Many construction sites have guardrails to prevent workers from falling. Be sure to use them while working. Inspect all your safety tools before going up to make sure they are in top shape.
Electrocution
There are a lot of electrical hazards on construction sites. Workers often come in contact with faulty wires or power lines. Electrocution can cause severe burns and even loss of limbs in other cases.
You can prevent electrocution injuries by using proper safety equipment. Personal protective equipment, or PPE, protects you from injuries in case there’s an electrocution hazard. The equipment has a shock-resistant layer, just like rubber gloves. However, the equipment must offer adequate protection based on the voltage of the exposed wires you’re working around.
Ensure that the tools are insulated to absorb any electric shock. Also, survey the area to find nearby power lines and avoid them entirely. If this isn’t possible, then you may need to discuss with local authorities to cut the power until the job is done.
Despite following safety protocols, some mistakes can still happen. Learning first aid can help save the lives of other workers in your vicinity. Always refresh your knowledge of CPR and train new workers as well.
Do not work in wet weather conditions. Bad weather and electrical appliances do not mix well. The risk of a shock is higher when the weather conditions are bad.
Explosions
Fire hazards are also common in construction sites. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as poor tools, wrong wiring, overheating, and even smoking. The first rule is to avoid smoking in construction sites.
Also, ensure that there are fire extinguishers in every section of the site. Also, it helps to check the validity of the extinguishers to ensure that they are not expired. Remove any flammable items from the site before starting and make sure all the tools are cooled down when necessary.
Also, remove any vehicles blocking or around the construction site. It’s safer to divert oncoming traffic than allow someone else to be hurt by falling objects.
