The construction industry accounts for approximately 20% of deaths in the private sector. Additionally, the rate of fatal injuries in construction is higher than the national average for all industries in the same category. Most accidents can be prevented with proper training and equipment; Unfortunately, both factors are missing in many projects.
Construction managers' responsibilities also include accident prevention and workplace safety. This article provides an overview of the main hazards on construction sites.
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Falls on construction sites
Construction often involves working at heights, both inside and outside buildings. Working on roofs, scaffolding, ladders and ladders always carries risks. Factors such as adverse weather conditions, equipment failure, negligence and restricted mobility increase the possibility of falls. It is important that workers are aware of the risks: they must have personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate training for working at heights.
Being hit by objects
Constructions are busy environments with constant movement of heavy equipment, such as cranes and forklifts. Being struck by a moving object is a particular danger on construction sites; It is important to have adequate marking for danger zones and appropriate barrier systems.
Electricity
The dangers of electricity are well known, but electrical dangers are not always obvious. All project personnel are exposed, not just the electricians. Some risk factors are overhead or underground cables, working close to power lines, lack of coordination and using untrained workers for tasks involving electricity. To avoid injury, it is important to know the exact location of all energized conductors at the project site. The workforce must be skilled and well-trained, and substantiated tools must be provided.
Hazardous Material
Many chemicals are used on construction sites and many of them are toxic or respiratory irritants. Chemical spills can cause serious burns and release toxic fumes. Personal protective equipment and knowledge about the substances used can reduce the risk of accidents.
Repetitive strain injuries and other physical illnesses
Around 64% of construction workers suffer from musculoskeletal injuries, as a result of an accident or repetitive movements. Workers are also at risk from repeated use of specific machines and equipment, such as ground work equipment and vibrating power tools, resulting in a condition called Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome or “blue finger.” This can cause many hours of work to be lost. Proper training, protective equipment, and proactive protocols can help prevent injuries.
OSHA Safety Series for Construction: Hazards and Solutions
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides a series of standards covering possible construction hazards and tips for avoiding them.
Scaffolding
Danger: When scaffolding is not set up or used properly, falls are more likely. Protecting workers from scaffolding-related accidents can help prevent approximately 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths per year.
Solution:
- Scaffolding must be rigid and capable of supporting its own weight, plus four times the maximum intended load. This must occur without compromising stability, meaning there must be zero settlement or shifting.
- Scaffolding must be mounted on solid foundations. Barrels, boxes, bricks or blocks must not be used as scaffolding supports. They must be equipped with railings, railings and skirting boards.
- Accessories such as brackets, brackets, trusses, screw legs, and ladders must be replaced or repaired when damaged.
- Supervision by a competent person is required for inspection and use of the scaffold.
- Employees must be informed about appropriate safety measures and guidelines for scaffolding.
Fall protection
Danger : Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry and can occur due to a variety of factors. For example, unstable work surfaces, improper use of fall protection equipment, and human error can cause falls. Safety equipment, such as nets and fall arrest systems, can prevent many injuries and deaths.
Solutions:
- Aerial lifts and elevated platforms provide a safer, elevated work surface.
- Using safety net systems and body harnesses.
- Installation of control line systems and guardrail systems with toeboards to prevent falls.
- Covering holes in the ground.
Stairs and ladders
Danger : Ladders and ladders used in construction are responsible for approximately 24,882 injuries and 26 deaths per year.
Solutions:
- There are many types of ladders, so be sure to use the right ladder for the task.
- Inspect stairs for structural damage, cracked or bent side rails, damaged steps or other accessories, grease or dirt that could cause slipping, etc.
- Never exceed the maximum load capacity of a ladder.
- Avoid metal ladders near electrical work and overhead power lines.
- Stair steps and walkways must be free of dangerous objects and slippery materials.
- Stairs longer than 30 inches must have at least one handrail.
Trenches
Danger : Trench collapse causes dozens of deaths and injuries each year.
Solutions:
- Never enter an unprotected trench.
- Use protection systems for trenches that are feet deep or more.
- Provide an exit, such as a ladder, ladder, or ramp.
- Do not place debris closer than 2 feet from the edge of the excavation.
- Inspect trenches before entry and after events that increase risk, such as a storm.
- Trenches deeper than 20 feet must have a protection system designed by a registered professional engineer. The protection systems used are:
- Slope the trench wall, cutting it at an angle away from the excavation, following the requirements of the soil type.
- Installation of supports to prevent ground movements.
- Using trench boxes to prevent soil collapses.
Cranes
Danger : Accidents can occur when workers are near a suspended load or within the crane's turning radius. Crane fatalities can also happen when a crane's boom or its load line touches a power line. Weather monitoring is essential when working with cranes, as work can be suspended as soon as wind conditions start to become dangerous.
Solution:
- Checking crane controls for proper operation.
- Inspect damaged accessories.
- Never exceed the rated capacity of the crane.
- Check the balance of a crane by lifting the load a few centimeters off the ground.
- Never move loads onto workers.
- Cranes must be located at least 3 meters away from energized electrical lines.
Chemicals
Danger : Chemicals can cause chemical burns and respiratory problems. They can also cause fires and explosions, causing serious injuries to workers.
Solutions:
- Provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each chemical present during construction. This information must be accessible to all employees in a clear format that is understood by everyone.
- Following MSDS instructions for handling hazardous chemicals.
- Learn about the risks of each chemical and inform workers about them.
- Spill cleanup kits are necessary in areas where chemicals are present.
- Provide spill control plans and proper cleanup training.
- The use of personal protective equipment must be required.
- Store chemicals in appropriate conditions to ensure safety.
Forklifts
Danger : During the operation of powered industrial trucks, approximately 95,000 employees are injured and 100 die each year. Forklift turnover accounts for a significant number of these fatalities.
Solutions:
- All operators must be trained and certified to operate forklifts safely.
- Maintenance of transport equipment and tires.
- Do not modify any forklift without prior authorization from the manufacturer.
- Inspection of equipment before use.
- Follow safe operating procedures for collecting, moving, unloading and stacking loads.
- Do not exceed the load capacity of any industrial truck.
- Operators must wear seat belts and drive safely.
- Avoid traveling with heavy loads.
- Make sure the rollover protective structure is installed and the reverse signal alarm is working properly.
Head protection
Danger : Serious head injuries can be caused by falling objects. They are often fatal or can result in permanent disability.
Solution:
- All workers must wear helmets to avoid injuries caused by falling elements, collisions with fixed objects and accidental head contact with electrical hazards.
Protecting your workers requires learning about potential hazards and providing adequate training and equipment to ensure safety on construction sites. Knowing the hazards and how to avoid them is a good starting point for creating a safe environment on any project.
