OSHA has identified these top four areas as the most common hazards on construction sites:
- Falls;
- Struck-bys;
- Caught in between; and
- Electrocutions.
Keeping safety top of mind, and knowing what to do, can help keep you and your employees safe. Here’s what you should know about the top four construction hazards:
Preventing Falls:
- Falls are the most common cause of fatal injuries to construction workers.
- Identify major fall hazards before beginning work.
- Wear and use fall protection gear.
- Install and maintain perimeter protection.
- Cover and secure floor openings.
- Use ladders and scaffolds correctly and safely.
Prevent Struck By:
- Do not position yourself between moving and fixed objects, including forklifts and other machinery.
- Wear high-visibility clothing near vehicles and other moving equipment/vehicles.
Prevent Caught In-Between:
- Do not enter an unprotected trench or excavation five feet or deeper without a protective system.
- Make sure the trench or excavation is protected by sloping, shoring, benching, or a trench shield system.
- Before starting work, identify machinery or other areas where an employee could be caught in or between.
Preventing Electrocutions:
- Identify utilities before digging.
- Look for and identify overhead power lines before starting work.
- Use GFCI outlets for protection.
For more information on the Focus Four Hazards, and for training programs, visit: https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction/focus_four/index.html
This blog post was written by Carri Lamb, Loss Prevention Representative for West Bend.
