Each year, 1 in 5 worker deaths are in construction. That amounts to over 1,000 deaths a year. Construction work is a part of the “Fatal Four”, a term used to describe the deadliest jobs in the United States. If you’re taking on a big handyman project and want to know how to reduce the odds of any construction injuries occurring, keep reading.
This article will cover some of the top tips for how to avoid labor injuries.
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Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is meant to help protect a worker’s eyes, face, and body. PPE can help protect against flying objects, chemicals, and falls. If you or a worker is using a saw to cut, you’ll want to ensure that a faceguard is worn. This protects both the face and the eyes from sparks flying out from the saw or shavings flying up from the object being cut. Don’t forget about the headgear, as well. A safety helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment every construction worker should wear. Headgear can protect a worker from a heavy object, such as a tool, that falls from a higher level. Where an unprotected worker could be struck on the head and killed, a worker wearing a safety helmet will simply experience an uncomfortable ding and live to see another day.
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Fall Protection
Falling is one of the leading causes of injuries in construction work. Between roof openings and the need for scaffolds and ladders, many different obstacles can lead to a worker slipping and falling. Should someone fall and become hurt, you’ll need an injury doctor who can attend to their wound. There’s a multitude of ways you can implement safety. For starters, if workers are walking somewhere up high that is precarious, make sure they are wearing the proper footwear. Good construction shoes will have slip-resistant soles and steel toes. This type of shoe will keep them from slipping, as well as protect their feet should anything heavy fall on their toes. Areas should remain well lit so that workers can see what they’re doing and where they’re going. You can also make sure that workers are following the appropriate safety regulations while using things like ladders and scaffolds.
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Prevent Objects From Falling
Construction workers being struck by falling objects is another leading cause of injuries. Headgear will help a lot in protecting a worker, however, there are many other tips you can follow to lessen this risk as well. Employees shouldn’t ever be between moving and fixed objects. This can lead to a body part being pinched, broken, or severed. You should also make sure that employees are stacking materials in the right way.
You can test a stack by pushing on it slightly. If the stack wobbles too much, then it needs to be restacked to better ensure it remains stable. Also, stacks of equipment or materials shouldn’t get too high to prevent the possibility of the weight of the stack being able to crush someone to death. While workers are working up high on a rooftop, make sure they keep all tools, equipment, and materials secured. As was already stated, falling objects leads to many accidents and fatalities. Tools shouldn’t be left lying around for a worker to trip over or knock over the side.
Construction Injuries Are Avoidable
There are all sorts of things that can lead to construction injuries. However, almost every method of injury is preventable, so long as appropriate measures are taken. Remember to always keep safety at the forefront of your mind and remind your employees every day as well. Before you go, take a moment to browse the website for other informative articles.
