Preventing the Top 4 Construction Hazards
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. Many injuries on construction sites are caused by falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in-between incidents and electrocutions. The following are basic safety tips for avoiding these hazards and remaining injury-free:
Preventing Falls
- Wear and use fall arrest equipment.
- Cover and secure all floor openings and label floor opening covers.
- Use ladders and scaffolds safely.
Preventing Struck-by Incidents
- Avoid positioning yourself between moving and fixed objects.
- Wear high-visibility clothing near equipment and vehicles so others can see you clearly.
Preventing Caught-in-Between Hazards
- Avoid entering an unprotected trench or excavation 5 feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in place. Some trenches less than 5 feet deep may need a similar system.
- Make sure that a trench or excavation is protected by sloping, shoring, benching or a trench shield system.
Preventing Electrocutions
- Locate and identify utilities before starting work for the day.
- Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment.
- Maintain a safe distance from power lines and learn your area’s distance requirements.
- Do not operate portable electric tools unless they are grounded or double-insulated.
- Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection.
For more information, speak to your supervisor.
Article Published By: Zywave, Inc.
