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