Fatal occupational accidents and injuries are common in the construction industry than in other sectors. For this reason, construction managers and employers emphasize the reduction of catastrophic injuries. Here are aspects that cause deaths in the construction industry and possible prevention.
Falls
Falls are among the top causes of death in the construction industry. Almost 40% of construction workers die from falls that lead to fatal occupational injuries. As such, construction workers should install effective fall protective units and arrest systems. Employers should also provide fall protection systems and ensure their proper installation. For instance, construction managers should ensure that workers have the necessary protection to ensure they don’t fall to openings like elevator shafts, excavations, and skylights. Fall protection may include safety net systems, fall arrest systems, and guardrails.
Scaffolds
Scaffolding is among the primary sources of fatal injuries that lead to construction workers’ deaths. To prevent deaths arising from faulty scaffolds, construction workers should undergo training by qualified experts. And this training should include the identification of falls, falling objects, and electrocution hazards.
Before any work shift, a competent expert should inspect the scaffolding to verify its safety. What’s more, only trained and supervised personnel should erect, dismantle, move, or alter scaffolds at a construction site.
Ladders
Construction employers and managers should train workers to use ladders. And this training should cover ladder hazards and their proper use. What’s more, employees should undergo training for placing and handling ladders. They should also know the maximum load-carrying capacity for ladders. Additionally, protect managers should ensure a thorough and careful inspection of ladders before use. If damaged, ladders should be removed from the job site and marked to ensure construction workers do not use them before repair.
Electrocutions
Proper equipment grounding and a program covering all power cords, equipment, and receptacles can help prevent electrocutions at construction sites. What’s more, detailed inspections and tests can help identify equipment and areas where electrocution can occur.
Construction managers and employers should inspect all equipment, extension cords. And power tools for frays, exposed wires, and cuts. Managers should remove defective ground prongs and test all grounding conductors for all equipment.
Final Thoughts
Most construction deaths occur due to actual accidents. Some occupational injuries that lead to fatalities are preventable. All that construction managers and employers need is to adhere to safety measures and training of the workers.