The construction industry has one of the highest statistics in fatal or non-fatal injuries and accidents. Despite comprising only around 5% of the total labor force, about 20% of fatalities (or one in every five deaths) was in construction. This makes the construction industry rank very high on the list of hazardous occupations.
Many job sites are in remote or isolated areas, far from immediate help or medical care. Often, the workers have to deal with heavy machinery and equipment so the injuries often are severe and at many times, fatal.

The “Fatal Four”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the top four leading causes of construction-related deaths are falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and getting caught in between or crushed by machinery. These four types of accidents together already make up 60% of construction deaths.
These statistics are alarming, and highlight the need to continue pushing for improved safety for all construction workers while on the job. Just by eliminating construction falls, it is estimated that as many as 300 lives can be saved. Your company needs to have very clear safety measures in place, taking into consideration the types of accidents that could happen in each construction site.

Impact On Construction Business

If you are in the construction business, you cannot afford downtime due to injuries and accidents. Here’s why you need to be concerned about construction safety in your business.

1.    Effect on operations

The moment an accident happens, operations could be severely hampered. If it involves machinery, the equipment may be shut down pending investigation. Hours will be affected, and construction may be entirely or partly stopped until investigations are completed and shortcomings are addressed.

2.   Effect on financials

The company will likely have to spend money for hospitalization, or in the case of death, funeral and burial expenses. That does not include yet the possibility of other expenses in case the company is found wanting in terms of providing safety for its workers. There could be fines, lawsuits, and worse, a total shutdown of your business.

3.   Effect on workplace morale

When an accident happens to their colleague, the other workers in the workplace become demoralized. The good people usually opt to leave companies where safety at their workplace is lacking. In companies where safety is a top priority and where workers feel that the company holds their welfare and comfort to a high standard, worker commitment is highest.

4.   Effect on public safety

Good construction safety measures protect not only your workers, but the general public as well. Many construction sites are located in high foot traffic areas. The last thing you want is to place the public at risk with inadequate safety measures.
Safety at the workplace begins with safety awareness and appreciation of its importance. There is no better way to create a culture of safety in your business than through safety training courses needed in the construction industry. These training courses ensure that not only the construction workers, but everyone in office positions invests time in learning and implementing safety measures in the workplace.