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