In the dangerous world of construction, insurance claims are unavoidable. Accidents are unpredictable and even the best safety equipment can fail.
Avoiding the most common safety risks can go a long way towards protecting your workers and your business.
The “fatal four”
When you’re working at great heights, along the side of highways or in any of the other hazardous places construction workers’ jobs take them, simple risks can have tremendous consequences.
The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites these “fatal four” as the cause of more than half of all construction fatalities: falls, workers struck by objects, electrocution and workers caught in or between equipment.
Falls: Falls were responsible for 39% of all construction fatalities in 2015 according to OSHA. This includes falls from buildings, scaffolding or machinery as well as falls into holes and ditches. Non-fatal falls often result in broken bones and head injuries.
Inspecting safety harnesses, railings and other equipment used to secure workers above the ground is the #1 way to cut the risk of serious injury or death at your site. Also be sure to avoid anything that could cause unsecured workers to slip or fall anywhere near a drop off point.
Struck by objects: Falling objects were responsible for nearly 10% of all construction fatalities in 2015.
Secure tools and construction materials, and avoid having workers move around below cranes and other equipment. Also be sure to enforce the use of appropriate protective gear like hard hats and safety glasses 100% of the time.
Electrocution: Overhead power lines are the main cause of electrocution for non-electrical construction workers. De-energizing and protecting power lines and observing OSHA’s mandated minimum distances from power lines can reduce the risk of electrocution at your site.
Contact with generators, portable lights, machinery, power tools and defective wiring are also causes of electrocution and electrical burns.
Caught in/between: These injuries include workers caught in equipment as well as workers struck by or caught in collapsing equipment, materials, scaffolding and other structures. Regularly inspecting anything at risk of collapse and immediately removing dangerous equipment can help you avoid these injuries.
Other risks
Other common risks are less likely to result in fatalities but can still lead to serious injury. Avoid the following risks to maximize the safety of your construction site:
Defective tools and equipment: Defective or poorly maintained tools can cause cuts and lacerations that can incapacitate workers. Appropriate gloves and footwear can reduce the risk of these injuries.
Hearing loss: Workers using jackhammers and other loud equipment should wear earplugs at all times.
Vision loss: Workers should wear safety glasses at all times and be extra careful handling on-site chemicals, gases and other hazards.
Heat stroke: In the summer, heat stroke can cause nausea, lightheadedness and fainting, often leading to more serious injuries. Untreated heat stroke can result in heart, brain and kidney damage. Make sure all your workers are trained to recognize signs of heat stroke and treat affected workers as soon as symptoms appear.
At John B Wright our goal is to keep your worksites safe, and your insurance coverage accurate and up-to-date. If you’d like to assess your current insurance policies please contact us here.
Leave a Reply