| Working in the construction industry can be | | | | |
| dangerous. The nature of the work carries | | | | With the proper safety training, awareness of |
| risks, and accidents can result in serious | | | | your rights and responsibilities, and |
| injuries or even death. | | | | vigilance against hazardous work conditions |
| | | | you can reduce, if not eliminate altogether, |
| OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health | | | | your risk of being injured at work. Here are |
| Administration) law requires employers to | | | | some things you can do. |
| provide a work place that is safe and free | | | | |
| from hazards. Yet, everyday construction | | | | - Take advantage of training programs |
| workers face dangers that threaten their | | | | provided by your employer, your union, and |
| health and lives. According to OSHA, each | | | | your safety society. |
| year | | | | |
| | | | - Observe safety rules and regulations at all |
| - A 1000 workers die in construction related | | | | times. |
| accidents | | | | |
| | | | - Know your equipment and use them correctly. |
| - A quarter of a million workers suffer | | | | |
| injuries resulting in lost work days | | | | - Wear and use the right personal protective |
| | | | equipment at all times. |
| - Construction accidents cost the industry | | | | |
| $13 billion in workers compensation cost | | | | - Use proper barriers and guards always. |
| alone | | | | |
| | | | - Dont take short cuts with fire, electrical, |
| OSHA statistics also show that 90% of the | | | | or fall protection safety equipment. |
| fatalities occur in four categories | | | | |
| | | | - Be sure to crib, block and secure all loads |
| - Caught between objects | | | | as soon as possible. |
| | | | |
| - Struck by objects | | | | - Take the time to do the job correctly. |
| | | | |
| - Electrocution | | | | - Report unsafe work conditions. |
| | | | |
| - Falls | | | | - Refuse to work in unsafe conditions. |
| | | | |
| These accidents are, therefore, preventable | | | | - Watch a free construction safety video |
| and can be avoided with the proper safety | | | | online by visiting |
| training, precaution, and common sense. | | | | |
| | | | - Above all, be alert. It's your life and |
| Construction work can indeed be dangerous. | | | | health that is at risk. |
| The line between a near miss and a fatality | | | | |
| is thin. Although, the government will | | | | If you notice a hazardous situation at work |
| enforce safety and health laws and employers | | | | you should bring it to the immediate |
| have an obligation to provide a safe and | | | | attention of your employer, your craft |
| healthy workplace, it is still your | | | | steward, or OSHA. |
| responsibility, and you owe it to yourself | | | | |
| and your loved ones, to stay safe and out of | | | | To report an emergency, fatality, or imminent |
| harms way. | | | | life threatening situation to OSHA call |
| | | | 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5672. |
| Government regulators and inspectors cannot | | | | |
| be present at construction sites at all times | | | | To report other unsafe work conditions |
| and, due the nature of the construction | | | | contact your local OSHA regional office. You |
| business, employers cannot guarantee a 100% | | | | can file a report online or by fax, mail, and |
| safe work place. Simple things such as a | | | | telephone. You can request anonymity and OSHA |
| change in the weather or the momentary | | | | will respect your request. Here are some |
| inattention of a fellow worker can lead to a | | | | useful links. |
| dangerous situation in an instant. | | | | |