Working construction is backbreaking and grueling. A day on the site can turn catastrophic, however, when a misstep by a fellow employee creates a safety concern.
Do you know the three most common causes of injury on a construction site? Identifying these things may help you avoid them and take action immediately following an accident with one.
1. Misplaced objects
Not everyone is astute when it comes to keeping track of their tools and storing them properly. An errant hammer or drill may not seem like a big deal, but when it comes to causing an injury, strewn objects can be serious hazards. You may not see that hammer, and as you walk, you may trip and fall. You may also kick it, causing it to careen over the edge and onto the unsuspecting head of a coworker. These incidents happen at a pretty regular rate, and therefore, making sure your work area is neat before starting is one way to avoid becoming a statistic.
2. Falls
Whether you trip and fall, slip and fall or go over the edge, this is the most dangerous and common injury that occurs on a site. Falling from great heights, such as scaffolding up in the air, a roof or a ladder, may lead to catastrophic injuries including:
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Death
Make sure to use the proper safety measures when working high up. Use a tether or harness when the condition calls for it. Maintain a diligent watch for slipping or tripping hazards as well.
3. Equipment misuse
Cranes and forklifts can cause quite a punch, hence their importance in performing heavy work. However, when these machines malfunction or when the driver is not paying attention or trained properly, accidents happen. Some of the most common incidents occur when a worker becomes pinned behind a vehicle. Maintain a safe radius and only operate this machinery when you have undergone proper training.
