Construction workers in Georgia already know that their jobs are among the most dangerous in the world. While there is nothing that can completely remove the risk of injury from the construction industry, there are some steps that you can take. Knowing how to identify and avoid what OSHA considers their “fatal four” is an important part of workplace safety.
Falls
Falls are some of the most common injuries in workers’ compensation claims. Per OSHA guidelines, a fall hazard is “anything that can cause a worker to lose his or her balance.” In addition to evaluating any work surface for fall risks, employers should also invest in PPE that protects against injuries suffered in falls.
Caught-in or between
Trench cave-ins and accidents where workers get trapped in or between machinery and another surface are among the most dangerous in the construction industry. In 2019, this type of injury accounted for 5.4% of deaths in the construction industry, making it one of the most common causes of fatalities.
Struck-by injuries
Per OSHA, struck-by injuries involve a piece of equipment or another object striking a construction worker. These injuries, while dangerous, are hard to protect workers against. Since construction sites involve so many moving parts and equipment, workers may suffer injury from objects outside of the ones they are using themselves.
Electrocution
Electrocutions are responsible for 7.2% of construction fatalities, making them one of the most prominent threats to construction workers. While protecting workers from visible wiring and other electrical sources is easy, underground utilities can complicate matters. Employers and employees should spend some time before work looking for potential power sources.
Everyone on the construction site is responsible for workplace safety. Knowing how to identify and avoid OSHA’s “fatal four” is necessary for construction workers and their supervisors.