The risk of death for construction workers is always present. There are many challenges that the workers face on a daily routine in order to return home safely. Some risks include falls from heights, machinery malfunction, electrocution, falling objects and structural collapse, to name a few.
4,764 workers died on the job in 2020 (3.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers). Workers in transportation and material moving occupations and construction and extraction occupations accounted for nearly half of all fatal work injuries (47.4%), representing 1,282 and 976 workplace fatalities, respectively. Data provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor.
Falls and electrocutions continue to represent the largest number of fatalities, along with “struck-by” and “caught-in” accidents, which cover a wide range of hazards, such as when a vehicle, piece of machinery or material strikes or traps a worker.
It is important that construction companies have efficient measures for the protection of their construction workers, so we bring you some recommendations that can help you protect your workforce.
Tips to improve the safety of construction employees.
By having proper equipment and following construction safety rules, tragedies can be avoided in the future. Whether you are a worker, visitor or site supervisor, precautions should always be taken.
Dangers and any mishandling of equipment and protocols can trigger fatal results.
Safety in construction starts with being aware of the risks, and taking appropriate measures.
Safety measures in construction:
1. When on construction sites, wear hard hats at all times, as well as protective eyewear to prevent wood or metal particles from entering your eyes. Also use ear protectors to protect yourself from intense noise, which is very common during construction work.
2. Gloves are another important element of heavy work when interacting with materials, and it is preferable to wear pants and shirts made of thick fabrics, such as denim, but that do not impede the free movement of the body in order to be able to react with agility.
3. Another important safety measure is the use of work boots, which have metal tips in case a heavy object falls on the feet.
4. Another aspect to consider is the quality and validity of the materials with which it is constructed, as well as the correct installation of the same. For example, make sure that the rods, wires, partition walls, cement and any other material used are of recognized brands.
5. When buying materials, it is important to make sure that they are new and in closed packages, that the wood is not old and the metal is not rusted.
Heavy machinery is often used in construction for some specific procedures.
Heavy equipment:
6. It is important to ensure that workers assemble scaffolds correctly, secure them when using them, and check for loose bolts.
7. If beams are used, it is important to ensure that the wood is in perfect condition, that it has not rotted or become moth-eaten, and to ensure that it is installed correctly.
8. If ladders are used, it is important to ensure that they are in perfect condition and have anti-skid pads.
9. When using electrical equipment, always make sure that they are well connected, that the cables are not in the way, and that the source to which they are connected supports the electrical current to avoid short circuits or electrocutions.
Workplace safety for construction workers must be the most important thing to prevent injuries and fatalities. For this reason, it is essential to follow basic measures such as the use of personal protective equipment, quality materials and machinery, and to make sure they are in good condition before use. Safety in construction is not only a moral responsibility, but also a legal one. A safe construction site is a work site that complies with regulations, prevents injuries and ensures a productive and healthy workforce.
