Playing it Safe – Construction
Learn the Top 4 Construction Site Hazards – and Play it Safe
The construction industry is one of the most hazardous in the United States. In fact, every time you come to work, you risk suffering an injury. However, you can help improve construction site safety by learning about and avoiding the top four on-the-job hazards, which are: falls, struck-bys, caught-in-between hazards and electrocutions.
With the right knowledge and awareness, it’s easier to prevent accidents caused by these hazards. Here are some basic safety tips to help keep you injury-free:
Preventing Falls
- Wear and use fall-arrest equipment
- Install and maintain perimeter protection
- Cover and secure all floor openings and label floor opening covers
- Use ladders and scaffolds safely
Preventing Struck-bys
- Never position yourself between moving and fixed objects.
- Wear high-visibility clothing near equipment and vehicles so that others can see you clearly
Preventing Caught-in-Between Hazards
- Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation that is five feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in place. Some trenches that are less than five feet may need a similar system as well
- Make sure that a trench or excavation is protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or a trench shield system
Preventing Electrocutions
- Locate and identify utilities before starting work for the day
- Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment
- Maintain a safe distance away from power lines and learn your area’s distance requirements
- Do not operate portable electric tools unless they are grounded or double insulated
- Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection
- Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds or other platforms
Expand Your Construction Safety Knowledge
To learn more about construction site safety, talk to the safety and risk management professionals at VTC Insurance Group. Give us a call at 248.828.3377 or visit vtcins.com.
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
