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Your Safety Should Always Be the #1 Priority
Construction can be a rewarding field, and while many of its appeals were the magnet that drew you to the industry in the first place, those very same things could be a liability as well. Construction can be a dangerous business, and if special care is not taken to cultivate good habits and follow safety guidelines, disaster can strike at any moment. Here are five dangers that you should be aware of if you are in the construction business.
1. Noise
Repetitive and excessive noise exposure in construction can result in long-term hearing problems. Noise can make construction workers unaware of other hazards on the job, and as such, becomes a dangerous diversion that can cause serious accidents. Construction companies are legally required to adhere to noise regulations, which involve the implementation and documentation of comprehensive noise risk assessments and the issuance of appropriate personal protective gear.
2. Falls
Falls are common on construction sites and result in many fatal and nonfatal injuries annually. According to one report, between 2011 and 2015, the number of fall fatalities in construction climbed by 36.4% from 269 to 367; the majority of fall fatalities occur from a height of 20ft or less and roofers in construction had the highest number of fall fatalities. A construction site can have a host of hazards that can cause a fall, including holes, scaffolding, rubble, spills, and even equipment. Getting roofing contractors insurance online is not a bad idea in case of a roofing accident.
3. Electricity
In 2016, electrocution accounted for 8.3% of all construction fatalities, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Construction workers get electrocuted during refurbishment work on commercial and domestic buildings, and some become a victim working near overhead power lines and cables. Electrocution also happens to construction workers, a plumber for example, who has no qualification in electrical engineering or a related field, but who is doing electrical work, and this practice is a growing problem. It serves a worker well to know the hazards of electricity on a construction site and the precautions that should be taken to prevent electrical shock.
4. Moving Objects
Hazards are inherent in an ever-changing environment on a construction site that is commonly hectic. Moving vehicles transporting materials from one area to another, workers, and overhead lifting equipment are all moving objects that can collide, and vehicles and equipment can have a mechanical failure. A collision or a malfunctioning piece of equipment can have disastrous consequences. It is essential for workers to stay clear of moving equipment and machinery, wear appropriate safety gear and be mindful of the changes happening on site.
5. Asbestos
A construction worker cannot always predict what will happen on the job or the type of things that will be encountered. Sometimes danger finds you when you’re not exactly looking for it. Asbestos is one of those things. Working on an older building can lead to an asbestos find, and workers need to know what measures to take if they come across suspicious materials that could contain this highly toxic substance.
Working in the construction industry requires a certain degree of caution. A construction site can have many hazards and be chaotic. It pays to be aware of the site’s surroundings and practice good safety measures in order to ensure your safety and that of others as well.
