According to OSHA statistics, in 2012, 19.6% of workplace fatalities occurred in the construction industry. To help prevent future incidents, a post on
Occupational Health & Safety's blog outlines these 5 safety measures every construction worker must take:
1. Double-check work areas.
•When working on a scaffold, make sure it has a strong platform or base and that it has been inspected by a qualified professional.
•Check ladders thoroughly before use to ensure that they are not wobbly and that all steps are secure. If possible, the upper and lower ends of a ladder should be fastened to the ground and sturdy structures, and when this is not feasible, another worker should manually secure the ladder's ends.
2. Be vigilant with electricity and equipment.
•Lifting equipment should only be used by individuals who are aware of the equipment's safety precautions, and must not be used if signs of wear and tear have been identified.
•When using plugged-in portable devices, such as grinders and drills, make sure that cables are protected, metal casing is grounded and the power supply is provided with an earth leakage circuit breaker. Never let electrical tools come into contact with water.
•Do not exceed permissible load levels, and never stand or work directly below a suspended load.
•Before operating cranes and material hoists, all workers must be properly trained. Never operate material hoists without gates being properly locked, and never exceed the working load limits of a hoist. Communication between workers when operating material hoists must be clear and consistent because any misunderstanding can result in a serious incident.
3. Maintain fencing and prevent fires.
•Work must be completed within adequate fencing to prevent falls and other incidents. Areas with damaged fencing should be avoided until repaired.
•Open flames must be kept away from construction sites due to the presence of flammable materials.
•All workers must be familiar with escape routes in the event of a fire. Workers should also be trained on how to locate and use fire extinguishers.
4. Protective apparel and PPE.
•Employers must provide workers with proper PPE, including helmets, protective eyewear, ear plugs, protective gloves and anti-slip footwear. Fall harnesses are also critical components of any construction worker's personal equipment and must be sturdy and remain secured to a strong anchorage point during use.
•Where heavy vehicles are commonly used, workers should wear highly visible clothing, and workers must be provided with gear and clothing that is appropriate for the site's weather conditions.
5. Keep first aid close.
•Site supervisors and contractors must ensure that first aid is always accessible to workers. Critical supplies include those used to remedy minor burns, cuts and falls so that less serious injuries can be addressed immediately without causing significant interruptions to operations.
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