Top 6 Construction Safety Tips!
- July 8, 2016
- 0 comments
- health
- Posted in Industry NewsSafety
Construction is a hazardous industry that encompasses a wide range of activities involving construction, alterations and repairs.
Examples include residential and commercial construction, bridge formation, roadway improvements, excavations, demolitions, and large scale painting jobs.
Construction workers employed in these activities may become exposed to seriously unsafe conditions, for example, materials falling from rooftops, weak machinery, getting struck by heavy equipment, injuries resulting from getting on and exiting equipment, electrocutions, dust, and asbestos.
In the construction industry, accuracy matters and adhering to the rules keeps buildings and people safe.
When construction companies cut corners, their workers often pay the price.
Before OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) was created, an estimated 14,000 workers were killed on the job every year.
In 2014, 4,821 workers died on the job.
The major causes of construction safety accidents:
• Complacency
• Fatigue
• Frustration
• Rushing
• Falls
• Struck-by
• Trenching and excavation
• Unsafe planning solutions
Under new guidelines from OSHA, employers will soon be required to electronically submit certain records of workplace injuries.
As a result, workplaces will become much safer, but there is still much work to be done.
If you haven’t put together an effective safety program, start thinking about what to include in a safety procedures manual.
Safety programs should include:
1. Prevention of over exposure to heat and cold
2. Effective use and storage of equipment
3. Selecting the proper apparel
4. Knowing how to lift objects properly
5. Know how to carefully get on and off of equipment. Getting on and off a machine is the no. 1 cause of injury to equipment operators, e.g. forklift and truck drivers.
6. Poorly designed tools can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, white finger, and trigger finger. Use ergonomically correct portable, high powered tools.
Worker protection information, such as Workers’ Rights, Employer Responsibilities and other services can be found here. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3252/3252.html
This link will help you create your own Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Program. http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/iipp.html
Making a living shouldn’t have to cost you your life. Workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses are preventable. Safe jobs happen because employers make the choice to fulfill their responsibilities and protect their workers. — Dr. David Michaels Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health
Maureen Fairlie
President
Snappy Solutions, Inc.
www.snappysolutions.com
maureen@snappysolutions.com
Certified WBE/DBE/WOSB