Safety in construction

 Construction site safety is one of the most overlooked things during a construction project. In most workplaces, accidents are a nuisance for the worker and a headache for HR. However, at construction sites, accidents have the potential to be life-threatening. With every new story about environmental disasters, earth-shattering explosions, and trapped laborers, construction sites become less and less appealing — even as the population grows and demands new, updated structures increases.

OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards In Construction

— Scaffolding – fall hazards can occur when scaffolds are not used properly.

— Fall Protection (application, scope, definitions) – consider using aerial lifts to provide safer working surfaces for elevated platforms

— Excavations – Never enter a trench that is unprotected.

— Ladders – Avoid ladders with metallic components near electrical work and power lines

— Head Protection – Use safety net systems or body harnesses

— Excavations (requirements for protective systems) – Use a protective system for trenches 1 foot deep or greater.

— Hazard communication – Make information accessible to employees at all times in a language or formats

— Fall Protection (training requirements) –  Use an effective employee training program for hazardous substances

— Construction (general safety and Health Provisions – Construction workers should wear work boots with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soles

— Electrical (wiring methods, design and protection) – Check all electrical tools and equipment regularly for defect

Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions. And work on the job site is where most accidents occur. Employers do need to mitigate safety hazards to construction workers, but workers need to keep in mind a lot of precautions themselves when working in such hazardous conditions. Thus, construction industry leaders must strive to safeguard their employees — if not for ethical reasons, then for the economic ones. Here are eight ways construction businesses can reduce workplace accidents and promote construction site safety.