Construction workers face some of the highest risks of any industry. In 2016, almost 50,000 workers suffered injuries that required them to miss work. Of all industries, construction workers are at the most risk of losing their lives in a fall.
Construction accidents can result in medical bills, wage loss and disability.
Construction risks
On a construction site, workers have a risk of back injuries, neck injuries, broken bones and more. The risks on-site include the following:
- Falls from ladders
- Collapsing scaffolds
- Explosions
- Injuries from electric shock
- Toxic chemical exposures
Contractors who suffer injuries while on the job site have a claim to the losses.
Safety methods
Falls on a construction site do not have to be inevitable. Employers, project managers and others can prevent injuries on-site through risk assessment and thorough plans. If workers do not have the proper equipment, they have more injury risk. In addition to the right equipment, the National Safety Council explains that contractors need proper training to use the equipment. Construction sites should not have damaged or old equipment that has not gone through the proper checks.
All safety equipment needs installation on level ground. If there are any potential hazards, there should be immediate removal of all of them. No ladders should be on unstable surfaces and any extension ladders need to remain stable and securely fastened. To avoid falls, the project manager should check the weather often. Inclement weather can cause potential hazards that no worker should have exposure to. For worker protection, everyone on site should wear slip-resistant shoes.
Despite the devastating result of a construction accident, there are methods to reduce the risks.