Before you start any construction work, you should always ensure that all of your employees are properly trained to prevent workplace injuries and stand in compliance with OSHA standards. Among those who are not prepared, there are more accidents than we would like to think about. The high majority are entirely preventable. Here are a few of the common accidents you might see:
1. Burns & Scarring: Unfortunately, some construction sites see a high risk of fires and explosions. Things like flammable chemicals, leaking pipes, and loose wires can all start an inferno if not handled properly. To avoid this type of issue, always make sure that your employees are familiar with more flammable chemicals and exposed wires so they can be extra careful around them.
2. Head Injuries: Due to the risk of falls and falling objects, head injuries are more common than many other accidents. Sometimes, heavy objects may not be as secure as you would like when you are lifting them up. In other instances, your people are not wearing the right head gear. Whenever you lift heavy objects, it is crucial to make sure that they are sufficiently secure.
Even if you are not lifting heavy objects, make sure that your guys are always wearing their protective head gear. This can help you to avoid many serious injuries associated with falls. If your employees are working at higher heights, also make sure that you secure them as they walk.
3. Head Injuries: Many common head injuries can be avoided by wearing the right head gear. Things fall, including your employees. Head injuries don’t have to be large to be painful and consequential, especially for employees who are digging or people who have work being done overhead.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries: Any time you fall, you face the potential of a spinal cord injury if you fall in the wrong way or get hit in the wrong place. Spinal cord injuries could be as severe as lifelong paralysis. So don’t take it lightly.
5. Cuts: There are sharp things all around construction sites. You could suffer anything from a small scratch to a large laceration that requires multiple stitches. To prevent this type of injury, workers should always wear their protective clothing while on the job site.
6. Broken or Crushed Bones: You are working with extremely hefty machinery. So the likelihood of broken or crushed bones is considerable. Equipment like bulldozers and cranes should always be handled with care by well-trained operators to avoid this type of issue.
7. Limb or Digit Loss: Construction sites have plenty of heavy and sharp objects. Some of them may not be clean, causing infections should you cut yourself or get in another accident. If heavy or sharp objects fall, it can mangle a worker or cut off limbs. So take extra care with heavy equipment at all times and be aware of your surroundings.
8. Hearing Loss: Whenever you are on a construction site, you should always have protection for your ears. If your employees don’t wear ear plugs, it could lead to long-term damage to the ear drums or hearing loss due to the loud noise of jackhammers and other equipment. So always ensure that your workers wear their earplugs.
9. Stress Injuries: Any time you work in construction, you will be involved in repetitive movements. Frequent lifting and bending can cause stress injuries for just about anyone. So whether it’s a brace or something else, always make sure that you wear your protective equipment.
10. Heat Stroke: Construction workers are regularly exposed to the elements, working all year round regardless of the weather. Often, you work without heating or cooling. Construction workers can often wear warm clothing to combat the cold, but you cannot necessarily fight heat stroke with the right clothes. Make sure that you drink plenty of water, and if you need a break, don’t be afraid to take it. A combination of heat and overexertion can be a disaster.
Take care of yourself if you are on site. If you own a construction company, make sure that you take care of your employees and encourage them to take the proper safety precautions.