According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there were over 4600 worker fatalities in 2016. 21.1 percent, or 991 of them were in construction. In New York State, the fatality rate of work-related incidents rose 88 percent from 2014 to 2015. In 2014, 68 percent of all inspections on construction sites discovered OSHA safety violations. This is a trend we cannot afford to continue.

10 Ways Construction Employers Can Prevent Accidents

For a construction worker, there are four main causes of accidents on a site. Falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and caught in or between equipment or objects. According to OSHA, eliminating these “fatal four” would save 631 workers’ lives in the United States each year. Take a look at how to avoid these hazardous and additional threats to keep your construction workers safe.

1. Provide proper safety training for all employees. 

Construction jobs should always start with proper safety training. This should include everything from how to use a machine, to ladder etiquette, to how to react in the event of an accident. Workers should know how to use emergency switches on machines and how to complete their job the safest way possible.

2. Make the safety training consistent.

Safety training should not be a “one and done” ordeal. Construction companies should hold regular meetings to go over safety procedures and address and concerns on the site.

3. Follow these safety guidelines and OSHA regulations.

You cannot be all talk when it comes to safety. Utilize these rules and guidelines every day and encourage other workers to do the same.

4. Make a plan.

With every new project, come up with all of the potential risks and ways to prevent them. This will help keep the safety guidelines fresh to workers.

5. Maintain the equipment.

No equipment should be in use if it is malfunctioning, too old to use, or any sort of danger to the contractor using it. Keep up with routine checks of the equipment to ensure they are good to operate.

6. Keep the workplace clean.

If you see something out of place, pick it up. No matter how large or how small, taking a few seconds to clean up after yourself can actually save a life.

7. Wear protective clothing and gear. 

The gear was not created to hang in your locker. Always wear protective clothing and gear, including helmets, to prevent injuries to yourself and others.

8. Take regular breaks.

Ensure your workers take the necessary breaks needed to keep them alert and focused.

9. Report every injury and accident, including “close calls.” 

No matter how big or small, everything should be reported to management in order to conduct a proper investigation on how to prevent the same incident from occurring, including near-miss accidents.

10. Seek medical attention for your injuries.

That “minor bruise” could prevent you from performing your job as safely as possible. Get your injuries checked out to prevent anything from getting worse or affecting your work.

Who’s Responsible for a Construction Accident

Determining who is responsible for an accident on a construction site, can be complex. There are various elements to consider from whether there was a violation of a safety regulation, to lack of proper equipment, or inadequate training. We discuss who is responsible for construction accidents in a recent blog but encourage those seeking a lawsuit to speak with a personal injury attorney to learn more.

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you need The People’s Lawyer on your side. You were only doing your job when tragedy struck and left you injured, out of work, and drowning in bills. Let the experienced personal injury lawyers at Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi and Pearlman help you get through this difficult time. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

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Tags: Construction Accidents