It shouldn’t come to a surprise that construction is one of the most dangerous industries. For every 100,000 full-time employees, 18 deaths occur each year in this industry. Construction workers use scaffolds, ladders, and cranes, which means they are at a high risk of getting injured from falls. Other common construction injuries include getting hit by falling objects, having equipment-related accidents, getting burned or injured in a fire or explosion, heatstroke, and sustaining repetitive motion injuries. Because construction work is such a hazardous industry, it’s imperative to do everything you can to keep your construction workers safe.
Here are five ways for construction workers to stay safe.
- Always Use Tools and Equipment Correctly
Construction workers use a variety of tools in their job. Many of these tools, including handsaws and power saws, have sharp edges, which makes them dangerous to use. One of the most dangerous tools, however, is the nail gun. This tool alone has caused over 42,000 injuries. Ladders are also considered dangerous. About two million people each year are hospitalized from falling off a ladder. When it comes to using any kind of construction tool, especially these more dangerous ones, it’s important to know how to use them correctly. Knowing how to properly use construction tools will greatly reduce the chances of getting injured.
Besides dangerous tools, construction involves a variety of equipment. Heavy equipment can be especially dangerous. Some of the most dangerous pieces of equipment used in construction include:
- Cranes
- Bulldozers
- Dump trucks
- Backhoes
- Excavators
For many types of heavy equipment, the operator must be licensed to use it. Also, drivers who operate heavy equipment must have a commercial driver’s license. When equipment is used correctly, and the operators have the correct training and licenses, it makes the construction site much safer.
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