Construction is an inherently risky industry. Every project, no matter how small or large, comes with its own set of hazards, which can lead to serious and life-threatening injuries.
According to OSHA, Construction safety is one of their top concerns. Construction is among the most dangerous industries and in recent years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there are more than 800 fatal on-the-job injuries to construction workers annually in the U.S. – more than in any other single industry and account for nearly one out of every five work-related deaths in the U.S.
OSHA has found 4 top areas of fatalities in construction:
Electrocution hazards About 8.6% of employees died due to electrocution. Workers face a number of electrocution risks on construction sites, such as exposed wiring, wet conditions while outlets are exposed, etc. These are caused by contact with overhead power lines or energized conductors or circuit parts in electrical panels and equipment panels, poorly maintained extension cords and power tools, as well as lightning strikes. Strict adherence to OSHA 1910.331-.335, 1910.269, and NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace would prevent these accidents.
Fall hazards Approximately 36.5% of all deaths in the workplace occurred due to employees falling. These includes workers who have fallen due to unprotected sides or holes, improperly constructed walking or working surfaces, workers who have fallen off ladders, roofs, scaffolding, large skyscraper construction areas, etc., all due to failure to use proper fall protection. Incorporating the OSHA fall protection requirements would resolve these issues, which includes 1910.269(g)(2) Fall Protection.
Caught-in hazards Employees caught in or between machines, devices, or tools causing death accounted for about 2.5% of deaths. These also include trench or excavation collapses, as well as workers caught between moving or rotating equipment, or caught in collapsing structures or materials.
Struck-by hazards An estimated 10.1% of deaths occurred due to swinging, falling, or misplaced objects. These also include falling objects due to rigging failure, loose or shifting materials, equipment malfunctions, and vehicle or equipment strikes.
Here is the more focused description of "Struck-by" Hazards Struck-by hazards
- can come from a variety of activities, work environments, and tasks such as:
Working on or near roads, bridges, or highways
Working below elevated structures such as scaffolds or where cranes are lifting materials overhead
Using compressed air, pneumatic tools, or powder actuated tools
Working near heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, or cranes
Working inside of trenches or excavations
Working as a rigger, or near rigging, lifting, or materials handling operations
Using hand tools such as chisels, hammers, or wire clippers
Workers must be trained and familiar with the use of power tools including pneumatic, electrical, and powder actuated tools.
All safety devices, guards, and switches should be kept in place and used to prevent accidental discharge of the tool.
Personnel working on or near roads must be protected from struck-by hazards from traffic. Barricades, traffic control signs, cones, and other barriers should be correctly set up in accordance with specific State requirements.
Workers in trenches and excavations should be in visible line-of-sight of equipment operators to avoid being struck by the equipment.
Workers should wear high visibility clothing such as safety vests to make them visible to equipment operators, site, or road traffic.
Equipment with obstructed views to the rear should be equipped with audible alarms and working horns.
Tips to recognize and avoid possible struck-by hazards:
Workers must be trained and familiar with the use of power tools including pneumatic, electrical, and powder actuated tools.
All safety devices, guards, and switches should be kept in place and used to prevent accidental discharge of the tool.
Set up proper traffic control signs and devices in accordance with specific State requirements.
Workers in trenches and excavations should be in visible line-of-sight of equipment operators to avoid being struck by the equipment.
Workers should wear high visibility clothing such as safety vests to make them visible to equipment operators, site, or road traffic.
Equipment with obstructed views to the rear should be equipped with audible alarms and working horns.