Avoiding Worksite Accidents and Injuries

As regulated by The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all employers are required to operate a workplace that is reasonably free from health and safety hazards. In the construction industry, this pertains not only to workers, but also to the construction worksite.

Employers who fail to comply with OSHA requirements face steep financial consequences. OSHA fines range up to $70,000 depending on the severity of the violation. This of course does not take into account insurance premium increases an employer may incur as a result of worker injuries.

As a general guideline, employers and supervisory staff should make a concerted effort to work together to avoid accidents and injuries at all costs. When doing so, keep the following safety checklist items in mind:

Construction Safety Checklist

• Eye Protection. All workers should wear eye protection at all times. In some instances, however, wearing only eye protection is not enough. If workers are cutting steel or metal, face shields should be worn.
• Lighting. Hazardous conditions can arise due to improper lighting. Make sure your workers have well-lit work areas, and replace burned out light bulbs as necessary.
• Extension Cords. Make sure all cords are in good condition and operational. In addition, make sure extension cords are properly secured or elevated off the ground to prevent tripping hazards.
• Electrical. Make sure all electrical panels and boxes are properly covered. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) should be required on circuits used for power tools. Employers must be cognizant that electrical hazards have the potential to result in fires, electric shock, explosions, or electrocution.
• Scaffolding. Ensure that all scaffolding areas are secure, and that necessary rails have been installed. Workers must not climb outside of a scaffold without utilizing a ladder.
• Ladders. Stepladders cause a major portion of accidents within the construction industry. Never lean a stepladder up against a wall, or against a work area. In addition, regularly make sure all ladders on the worksite are operational and in good condition.
• Fall Protection. Employers must provide fall protection for workers who work six feet or more above a lower level. Be particularly alert to this safety precaution, as accidental falls yield the highest number of fatalities in the construction industry every year.
• Trip and Slip Risks. It should go without saying that any spills on a worksite, such as oil or water, should be cleaned up immediately. In addition, make sure workers clean their work areas (see housekeeping below) to avoid tripping hazards. Apply slip resistant materials to avoid falls due to slippery conditions.
• Harmful Substances. It is not uncommon for construction workers to handle harmful or toxic materials. Make sure workers are properly trained to handle harmful substances, and know what to do in the case of an emergency. Harmful items include toxic chemicals and metals, lead, asbestos, asphalt fumes, and so forth.
• Work Zones. When a worksite is located in proximity to a thoroughfare or a major highway, workers need to be cognizant of potential hazards, such as traffic.
• Housekeeping. Every worker should maintain a clean workspace. When all employees take an active role in keeping the worksite clean, many hazards can be avoided.
• Workplace Safety. Employers should routinely train and educate staff on workplace safety procedures and guidelines. Some areas of construction are more dangerous than others, such as: trenching, excavation, welding, working with cranes, hoists, conveyors, and so forth. Workers must thoroughly understand how to operate equipment and how to identify and prevent hazards. Also plan to outline hazard communication standards, as well as fire safety and emergency planning. For many employers, training should be offered in both English and Spanish.

Overview

Construction is one of the leading industries for worker accidents and injuries every year. However, if employers effectively manage and enforce safety standards and requirements, accidents are drastically lessened, if not eliminated. As an employer, your objective should be to strive for no worker injuries or accidents. Although there is a significant commitment involved in managing ongoing safety compliance requirements, it is a small price to pay when you consider the alternative: costly fines and penalties, and the risk of putting your workers in danger.

The LaborLawCenter provides employers industry-specific tools to address labor law, and health and safety requirements. For more information, visit our selection of Construction Industry Products, or OSHA Compliance Tools.

This article is designed to offer a general guidance on ways to prevent accidents and injuries within the construction industry. For more precise information on individual circumstances, seek the appropriate legal counsel.

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