Safety Tips For Construction Workers
Working in the construction industry can be dangerous. The
nature of the work carries risks, and accidents can result in
serious injuries or even death.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) law
requires employers to provide a work place that is safe and free
from hazards. Yet, everyday construction workers face dangers
that threaten their health and lives. According to OSHA, each
year
- A 1000 workers die in construction related accidents - A
quarter of a million workers suffer injuries resulting in lost
work days - Construction accidents cost the industry $13 billion
in workers compensation cost alone
OSHA statistics also show that 90% of the fatalities occur in
four categories
- Caught between objects - Struck by objects - Electrocution -
Falls
These accidents are, therefore, preventable and can be avoided
with the proper safety training, precaution, and common sense.
Construction work can indeed be dangerous. The line between a
near miss and a fatality is thin. Although, the government will
enforce safety and health laws and employers have an obligation
to provide a safe and healthy workplace, it is still your
responsibility, and you owe it to yourself and your loved ones,
to stay safe and out of harms way.
Government regulators and inspectors cannot be present at
construction sites at all times and, due the nature of the
construction business, employers cannot guarantee a 100% safe
work place. Simple things such as a change in the weather or the
momentary inattention of a fellow worker can lead to a dangerous
situation in an instant.
With the proper safety training, awareness of your rights and
responsibilities, and vigilance against hazardous work
conditions you can reduce, if not eliminate altogether, your
risk of being injured at work. Here are some things you can do.
- Take advantage of training programs provided by your employer,
your union, and your safety society. - Observe safety rules and
regulations at all times. - Know your equipment and use them
correctly. - Wear and use the right personal protective
equipment at all times. - Use proper barriers and guards always.
- Don't take short cuts with fire, electrical, or fall
protection safety equipment. - Be sure to crib, block and secure
all loads as soon as possible. - Take the time to do the job
correctly. - Report unsafe work conditions. - Refuse to work in
unsafe conditions. - Watch a free construction safety video
online by visiting http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/video/constructionsafety/video.
html - Above all, be alert. It's your life and health that
is at risk.
If you notice a hazardous situation at work you should bring it
to the immediate attention of your employer, your craft steward,
or OSHA.
To report an emergency, fatality, or imminent life threatening
situation to OSHA call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY
1-877-889-5672.
To report other unsafe work conditions contact your local OSHA
regional office. You can file a report online or by fax, mail,
and telephone. You can request anonymity and OSHA will respect
your request. Here are some useful links.
File online: http://www
.osha.gov/pls/osha7/eComplaintForm.html Complaint form: http://www.osha.gov/o
shforms/osha7.pdf OSHA Regional Offices: http://www.osha.gov/html
/RAmap.html