Construction remains one of the most dangerous jobs around the world due to the high risk of injury and accidents among construction workers. The unfortunate fact is that no matter what types of precautions and safety measures are put in place, the risk of accidents and injuries never truly goes away. In this article, we are going to look at some of the most common injuries at construction sites and look at some suggestions on how to prevent or reduce them.
Slips and Trips
With a lot of things and people moving around at busy construction sites, there is usually the chance of something being left on the ground. It is these items that lead to trips that can cause bad falls. Other causes of slips and falls include uneven floors and slippery materials that have been spilled on the floor.
Preventing slips and falls entails making sure that the work area is clear of obstructions at all times and that there are no tools or other items left lying around. Additionally, any oil, grease, and water spills should be cleared as soon as possible.
Falling
Construction work is often carried out at lofty heights and this is the reason why injuries that are caused by falling from a great height are the most common types of injuries on construction sites. The most common reason for these types of falls is the lack of guardrails on scaffolding, the support on the guardrails falling through, and unsecured scaffolding.
Falls can be prevented by ensuring scaffolding is secure, there are guard rails in place, and that workers are equipped with harnesses.
Falling from a great height can lead to serious and often life altering injuries which can make it hard to get back to work. If you get injured at work through a fall, you should get in touch with injury attorneys like Oresky & Associates. They may be able to help you get compensated.
Falling Debris
Falling debris such as building materials, tools, pieces of scaffolding, or other items poses a very serious danger to construction workers. In many cases, having your safety equipment on might not be enough and this is why workers and their managers should prevent these types of injuring from happening in the first place.
Prevention measures can include placing fences and barricades around areas where workers are working, Additional safety nets to catch falling items can also help prevent these accidents.
Electrocution
A lot of construction workers work with exposed wires, especially in cases where a project is half-done. Thousands of construction workers die each year due to electrocution so this should be taken seriously.
One way to prevent these electrocutions is switching off power in areas where it is not required. Additionally, all construction workers should be trained in electrical safety.
Overexertion
Construction workers often work very long hours, putting their bodies through a lot of strain. Overexertion can cause injuries to the back and muscles, and increase the risk of workers injuring others if they lose focus because they are too tired.
Conclusion
Construction sites are dangerous for the workers themselves, plus anyone who might be around. This is why it is so important that construction managers learn to recognize and prevent common types of injuries at construction sites.
