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.