How to Stay Safe On the Construction Site

Many construction workers are at a much higher risk of things like repetitive motion injury, welding mishaps, trench injuries, scaffolding injuries, defective equipment accidents, electrocution, falls and other dangerous injuries.

If you're not currently in the construction industry, you may not be aware of the following facts.

* In America, about 6% of the labor force is in the construction industry. This means about 7 million individuals work in construction, with almost 1.5 million of these being self-employed.

* It is estimated around 6,000 deaths occur every year in America due to construction related mishaps and injuries. Electrocution is the most common reason construction deaths occur.

* Very few construction companies have formal safety programs.

* Of the approximate 600,000 construction companies located in the USA, about 90% of them have less than 20 workers employed.

* Workers compensation costs include about 15% of construction related claims.

* Because of the constantly changing construction environment, it can be difficult to get safety procedures into place on a regular basis.

How To Avoid Construction Accidents

Construction mishaps almost always include falls, someone being hit, someone getting caught in something or electrocution.

To avoid construction falls, be sure to always wear personal fall arrest protective equipment. In addition, maintain perimeter protection as well as cover all floor openings. Labeling floor opening covers is also important. Lastly, use ladders and scaffolds safely and properly.

To help steer clear of the body hit construction accident, it's important to always be aware of your place on the construction site. You are able to wear bright clothing that helps everyone working around you be able to see where you're at all times. In addition, you can be more aware of any moving objects around you.

Construction mishaps where you're caught in something are very common and can be avoided. Never enter into a trench without it having a secure protective system already in place. Trenches over 5 feet must have a shield system but those smaller could also need this type of system. A sloping system, shoring system or benching system can help you avoid mishaps.

In the realm of construction injuries and deaths, electrocution plays a common role. Construction site managers who want to keep their workers safe from electrocution should enforce the following tips. First, all workers must know where all utilizes are located far before work has started. Those workers who are trained to use equipment must be told to look out for overhead electric lines. Any workers who use portable electric tools must be made to use grounded equipment.

When you know more about construction mishaps learn the facts and realize there are ways to avoid construction injuries, you are able to become a much better construction site supervisor.