Facts on Construction Safety

There are possible dangers associated with most occupations, but a construction site is certainly one of the more hazardous places to work. With so much heavy, powerful equipment, as well as often-precarious work sites, the possibility for injury is substantially higher than in a general office environment. Therefore, construction safety is of the utmost importance. These tips will help you to be aware of safety hazards to look for and avoid on your construction site.

Major Construction Hazards

• Because of the height at which a lot of construction takes place, falling on the job is a major danger for anyone who works in construction. Scaffolding, in addition to causing falls, can be its own hazard if poorly assembled. Electrical hazards are also common at most construction sites, because any electrical equipment carries the potential for harm. Anyone working in some sort of excavation is open to additional dangers stemming from the poor quality of air, confined space and questionable structures associated with that job. Finally, improper use of vehicles such as forklifts and bulldozers at construction sites can also create extremely dangerous situations which can turn deadly in an instant.

Safety from Falls

• Falls, like all other occupational hazards in construction, can be prevented with some knowledge and good practices. Before standing on any kind of equipment, especially while carrying supplies, make sure you are aware of how much weight the equipment is designed to hold. Make sure that ladders and scaffolding are inspected periodically to identify wear or other potential weakness. If you are working in roofing, know where loose shingles are and avoid stepping on them, as they can quickly send you sliding.

Safety from Electric Shock

• The first rule of safety from electrical injuries is to turn off the power when working on electrical equipment, an obvious guideline but one that is sadly omitted frequently in practice. When using electric tools, wear insulated clothing, especially when working in a wet or humid environment. Don't discount the dangerous potential of all moisture--including sweat--when working with electrical tools.

Safety from Toxins

• Always wear a face mask when dealing with any kind of dust or debris. Get advice on how to recognize more dangerous substances such as lead and asbestos, often found when doing renovations on older buildings. If any of these substances are discovered, be sure to wear all protective clothing and accessories to make sure you do not inhale or otherwise make contact with these substances.

Safety with Construction Equipment

• Conduct daily surveys of all large construction equipment to make sure all major parts are working correctly. Particularly with vehicles, always have a partner (or two, if necessary) to guide you as you steer, making sure you are aware of any people or objects in your blind spots. Make sure you know how much weight any piece of equipment is designed to hold and that you are familiar with all operating procedures described in the manual. Finally, don't hesitate to use your emergency brake if you think there may be a danger.

OSHA Regulations

• Make sure you follow all regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor. The OSHA website not only includes a comprehensive list of guidelines for specific work environments, but it also has tools to help you identify and neutralize other potential hazards that may exist on your job site, and to train employees to use safe practices and identify dangers.