Safety Techniques For Construction
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), approximately 6.5 million people work at about 252,000 construction sites across the country on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is much higher than other industries, with hazards like scaffold collapse, falls, electric shock and trench collapse, which is why precautions are necessary.
Scaffolding
OSHA recommends that the scaffold must be strong enough to carry four times the maximum intended load, without any displacement. Erect the scaffolding on a level, solid surface and do not support the scaffold with unstable objects like boxes, concrete blocks or loose bricks. OSHA also stipulates that only competent persons supervise the assembling or dismantling of a scaffold. Another important safety technique is to protect the natural ropes used in suspension scaffolding from heat-producing sources. Also, keep scaffolds at least 10 feet from electric power lines.
Ladders
According to OSHA, falls from ladders and stairways used in constructing cause 24,882 injuries and 36 deaths each year. To prevent these types of injuries, select and use the appropriate ladder for the task at hand. Before using any ladder, a competent person must inspect the ladder for any defects, including broken or missing rungs, damaged safety devices and grease or dirt that could cause slips or falls.
Trenching
Trenching collapse is another source of injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Safety techniques to prevent such injuries include practices such as using a protective system for deep trenches. Prevent trenching hazards by shoring trenches to protect workers; install supports, which serve to prevent soil movement. A competent person should inspect trenches before workers can enter, and after such activities as heavy rainstorms or vibrations.
Cranes
Failure to follow proper safety techniques while using cranes may result in serious injuries or fatalities. Safety techniques when working with cranes include making sure that the boom or its load does not make any contact with an overhead power line to prevent the hazard of electrocution; avoid this hazard by ensuring a clearance of at least 10 feet from electrical lines. Another hazard from the use of cranes is the possibility of striking workers with an overhead load when moving a load over workers. Other causes of hazards include failure to adhere to a crane's rated capacity, failure to fully extend outriggers and failure to inspect chains, rope and hook for damage.
Scaffolding
OSHA recommends that the scaffold must be strong enough to carry four times the maximum intended load, without any displacement. Erect the scaffolding on a level, solid surface and do not support the scaffold with unstable objects like boxes, concrete blocks or loose bricks. OSHA also stipulates that only competent persons supervise the assembling or dismantling of a scaffold. Another important safety technique is to protect the natural ropes used in suspension scaffolding from heat-producing sources. Also, keep scaffolds at least 10 feet from electric power lines.
Ladders
According to OSHA, falls from ladders and stairways used in constructing cause 24,882 injuries and 36 deaths each year. To prevent these types of injuries, select and use the appropriate ladder for the task at hand. Before using any ladder, a competent person must inspect the ladder for any defects, including broken or missing rungs, damaged safety devices and grease or dirt that could cause slips or falls.
Trenching
Trenching collapse is another source of injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Safety techniques to prevent such injuries include practices such as using a protective system for deep trenches. Prevent trenching hazards by shoring trenches to protect workers; install supports, which serve to prevent soil movement. A competent person should inspect trenches before workers can enter, and after such activities as heavy rainstorms or vibrations.
Cranes
Failure to follow proper safety techniques while using cranes may result in serious injuries or fatalities. Safety techniques when working with cranes include making sure that the boom or its load does not make any contact with an overhead power line to prevent the hazard of electrocution; avoid this hazard by ensuring a clearance of at least 10 feet from electrical lines. Another hazard from the use of cranes is the possibility of striking workers with an overhead load when moving a load over workers. Other causes of hazards include failure to adhere to a crane's rated capacity, failure to fully extend outriggers and failure to inspect chains, rope and hook for damage.
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