Accidents on construction sites are common. Of 3,945 workers killed in private industry in 2012, 775, or almost 20%, were in construction. Preventing such deaths is often a matter of training, proper equipment and oversight by employers who truly care about the safety of their workers.
Construction’s “Fatal Four”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified the top four causes of worker fatalities in the construction industry.
- Falls, accounting for 278 deaths, or 36% of construction fatalities in 2012.
- Struck by Object, accounting for 78 deaths, or 10%.
- Electrocutions, accounting for 66 deaths, or 9%.
- Caught–in/ Between, accounting for 13 deaths, or 2%.
The “fatal four” were to blame in 56% of construction worker deaths in 2012. OSHA estimates that eliminating these accidents could save more than 435 workers’ lives each year.
Falls
Because falls account for so many accidents in construction, safety experts have focused on fall prevention. OSHA recommends a three-pronged approach to prevention of falls, involving proper planning, providing good equipment, and training workers on how to stay safe.
Though we commonly think of falls from extreme heights when we talk about fatal accidents, even ladders can pose fatal risks. The bottom line is that all construction workers must be aware of the dangers of falls from any height. Though it’s the employers’ responsibility to provide proper equipment and training, workers must bring common sense and a cautious attitude to the job.
Struck by Object
Struck by an object refers to accidents in which a worker is hit by something. This often happens when a tool or construction material falls and strikes a worker. Being struck by an object can cause traumatic brain injuries, doing significant damage even when they are not fatal.
Proper head protection, including a hard hat, can lessen the impact of being struck by an object. Further, being aware of your surroundings can help ensure you are not caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Electrocution
Many construction workers must work around live electrical lines. Staying safe while putting in electricity or even while using power tools involves knowing your trade and working with safe equipment. Many electrical injuries are blamed on faulty wiring or live wires exposed where they shouldn’t be.
Caught In or Between
Being caught in or between two objects refers to crushing injuries and accidents. These often happen when a worker is hit by a vehicle or trapped between materials too heavy for him to move alone.
Being aware of your surroundings can prevent these accidents, but you also have to make sure your co-workers know where you are. One of the most frequent excuses when a worker is trapped by a vehicle is that the operator didn’t see the worker to begin with.