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