Safety Hazards in the Construction Industry

The construction industry represents about 8 percent of U.S. work force, but claims 22 percent of all work-related fatalities, the most of any industry, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety. Four types of hazards, referred to as the "Focus Four" by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, account for 90 percent of all construction fatalities. All four are preventable with proper training.

Falls

• Since construction workers frequently do their jobs on tall buildings, roofs and scaffolding, they are especially susceptible to falls. Falls account for 33 percent of all "Focus Four" accidents. Any height greater than 4 feet poses a risk for a worker and in the construction industry, OSHA requires fall protection to be provided for workers at heights of 6 feet or greater or anytime a worker is above dangerous equipment or machinery, regardless of height.

  Falls can be prevented by identifying the hazards and providing the appropriate protection. Protection systems include guardrails, safety nets and personal fall protection systems that help to stop the fall or position the victim to avoid greater injury.

'Caught-between' Hazards

• A "'caught-between" hazard is anything that can crush, suffocate or cause amputation and they account for 18 percent of the injuries under the "Focus Four." Caught-between hazards include trench cave-ins, accidents involving small machinery, such as saws, and getting smashed between equipment.

  Caught-between injuries and deaths can be prevented by inspecting the job site regularly for potential pitfalls, checking trenches for gas and water accumulation and providing appropriate protection while working with small machinery, such as guards for saws.

'Struck-by' hazards

• "Struck-by" hazards include any falling or flying objects and vehicle-related accidents, including being crushed by overturned vehicles or being struck by a vehicle. They make up 22 percent of the "Focus Four" and approximately 75 percent involve heavy equipment such as trucks, cranes and backhoes. Workers are at risk beneath cranes or scaffolding or near power tools and when performing activities such that involve pushing, pulling or prying and could cause an object to become airborne. Constructing masonry walls, for instance, is a dangerous project because of the tremendous loads supported and the instability of the structure during the building process.

  Struck-by hazards can be prevented on construction sites by wearing seat belts, inspecting vehicles before each shift, following the recommended load weights for construction equipment, wearing brightly colored clothing to warn drivers of vehicles and making sure tools are in good shape and the operator is properly trained.

Electrocutions

• Electrocutions account for 17 percent of "Focus Four" injuries. Electrocutions on construction projects occur when a worker accidentally grounds a live wire, either because safety equipment failed, because the wires or electrical cords were worn or the electrical current was not shut off.

  Electrocutions can be prevented by making workers aware of the locations of buried power lines, inspecting equipment for frays and replacing worn equipment. Workers should use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders and double-insulated tools and equipment. There are also protection systems available that provide a safe path to ground electricity that can be helpful when used according to manufacturer standards.