Around 6.5 million people work on construction sites in the United States every day. Based on a report by OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, construction is the deadliest industry in the country. It accounts for 21.1% of all fatalities in the workplace. So, one out of every five deaths in the workplace happen in the construction industry.

What makes this industry so dangerous? OSHA blames the fatalities on something they call the “Fatal Four,” which are the four most common causes of death. Eliminating these hazards would have saved 591 construction workers’ lives in 2018.

What are the four most significant hazards in the construction industry?

  • Falls, accounting for 33.5% of deaths
  • Struck by an Object, accounting for 11.1% of deaths
  • Electrocutions, accounting for 8.5% of deaths
  • Caught in-between equipment or objects, accounting for 5.5% of deaths

While fatalities are the most devastating, non-fatal injuries happen, too. There’s no way to eliminate all the hazards in the construction industry, but it is possible to reduce them by following some simple safety tips.

How can you ensure that the site you manage is both safe and efficient? Here are five safety tips to help minimize those “Fatal Four” hazards and keep your workers safe.

Tip #1: It Starts with Proper Training

Everyone must receive proper training. In most instances, fatalities and injuries were avoidable had the workers involved received adequate training. Ensure that all your workers have received comprehensive construction site safety training. While a lot of construction work is learned during hands-on experience, safety protocols aren’t one of those things.

This doesn’t just go for your new workers either. Even your seasoned laborers need a refresher now and then.

Tip #2: Minimize Tripping and Falling Hazards

This tip is a big one, as falls account for the highest number of fatalities. It’s also not a straightforward fix because many things cause tripping and falling hazards. For starters, keep the site as clutter-free as possible, and clean up any spills immediately. Don’t make your workers work on rickety scaffolding or ladders, shaky stairs, or uneven permeable paving. Also, always use protective systems for trenches.

Moreover, OSHA advises that all construction sites should utilize fall arrest systems, handrails, safety nets, restraint systems, and covers to prevent many injuries and deaths related to falling.

Tip #3: Enforce and Environment of Awareness

If you look at the “Fatal Four,” how many fatalities do you think could have been prevented by better worker awareness? It’s fair to theorize that better awareness could result in quicker reflexes and faster response time. OSHA mentions the danger of cranes specifically because incorrect operation of cranes results in significant and severe injuries. Often, these injuries include getting struck by an overhead load or accidentally getting caught inside of the crane’s swing radius.

That example is a prime illustration of the second most common fatality in the industry. Getting struck or getting caught in the radius are often results of improper awareness or crane operations safety training. As the manager of a construction site, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your workers remain aware. Sometimes that means enforcing a stricter, less-relaxed site, and prohibiting listening to music, or eliminating banter during work hours.

Tip #4: Take Electricity Seriously

Staying on cranes for a moment. The most significant cause of fatalities with cranes is when a crane runs into a powerline, resulting in electrocution. Electrocution is the third leading cause of death in the industry, and for a good reason. You can’t run a construction site without it. To avoid electrocution, be sure to replace any frayed or damaged cords as soon as you notice they’re damaged.

Always use the correct extension cords with the correct tools. Make sure all electrical tools are properly grounded before using them. This includes your air compressors, sanders, commercial vacuum, chainsaw, and more. Unless your power tool is double insulated, it needs to be grounded before use.

Beyond that, stay aware of power lines, and keep all equipment, ladders, scaffolding, and workers away from them.

Tip #5: Enforce Personal Protective Equipment Use

First, you must enforce personal protective equipment or PPE. This includes making sure your workers are wearing face and eye protection, safety hats, hand protection, slip-resistant shoes, etc. You want your workers to be protected on an individual level.

Beyond personal equipment, you want to ensure that all the equipment is only operated by workers who know how to use them. Ensure that the machinery is appropriately maintained and replaced when it starts to wear down.

Proper equipment use will help eliminate unnecessary injuries in your workplace.

Keep Your Construction Site Safe

If you follow these five simple tips, you’ll have a much safer construction site. Don’t underestimate your influence as a manager and a leader. Workers do what they see, not what they’re told. So, when it comes to safety, you have to lead by example.

 

Skylar Ross is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Skylar is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.