According to OSHA, nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for any other industry. It is important to be practical, ergonomic, and safe when working in any construction area. Follow some of the tips below to ensure complete safety when working in a construction area:
Common Safety Tips to Follow:
- Keep eyes and ears protected at all times – this is important as these are often times intense noises and vibrations occurring on construction sites which can cause serious injuries
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Know, understand, and follow the workplace’s comprehensive safety program
- Don’t use damaged tools
- Do not carry or pull a tool by is cord or hose
- Double check work areas
Scaffolding Safety Tips to Follow:
Nearly 2.3 million construction workers work on scaffolds each year. Unfortunately, fall hazards are likely to occur when scaffolds are misused or erected improperly; an estimated 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities occur each year as a result of scaffolding. Below are important safety tips to follow when scaffolding:
- Do not support scaffolds or any other uneven surface with unsteady or portable objects
- Stay at least 10 feet from power lines when working on a scaffold
- Never overload a scaffold
- Do not use a damaged or weakened scaffold
- Never use a scaffold in bad weather
- Always keep an eye out for yourself and others on the scaffold or below the scaffold – everyone in the vicinity of a scaffold may be in danger
Ladder Safety Tips to Follow:
- Always inspect a ladder before stepping on it – avoid stepping on anything that appears loose, worn, or damaged
- If given the option, opt for aerial lifts or elevated platforms which are safer options
- Always keep ladder steps clean, clear, and dry
- Stay away from metal ladders on stormy days
- Never overreach – move as you work as you could easily lose your balance and fall
For more safety tips, click here.
