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Types Of Safety Issues In Construction

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
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Whether working with a table saw, climbing scaffolding or lifting drywall, those who work in construction are often put in potentially dangerous situations. The Construction Industry Cost Effectiveness Project demonstrates this fact with its estimate that construction accidents cost $8.9 billion dollars annually in the United States. To stay safe on the job site, it is important for construction workers to understand what safety issues are common in their line of work.

Equipment Malfunctions

Before beginning work on any construction project, it is important to test all of the equipment that will be used. Potential equipment malfunctions are safety issues on a construction site because any type of malfunction could cause serious damage. For example, if you were to use an adjustable ladder without testing it to ensure that each height setting worked properly, you could run the risk of having the ladder collapse while you are either ascending or descending it.

Falling Objects

With the high risk of falling objects or debris, hard hats are required on a construction job site. Whether you are working up high on a project such as on a roof or are pouring a house's foundation, there are various scenarios where risk to workers is elevated. Because of these dangers, OSHA outlines that protective helmets be used "...where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns."

Weather Issues

While the common phrase, "time is money," is very true on a construction site as labor costs accrue daily, there can be many potential safety concerns to working during inclement weather. Lifting and hauling construction tools and materials during rain, snow or sleet can drastically increase the chance of falling, tripping or dropping the item altogether. Although indoor projects are generally not affected by the weather, it is never a good idea to continue with a construction project of any nature during severe weather. In the event of a power outage, your work could be damaged.

Support Structure Collapse

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the collapse of support structures such as scaffolding or trenches is a common safety issue on a construction site. Combat this issue by testing the strength of support structures and by educating yourself of the weight limits of the structure. When climbing a scaffolding structure, you can increase your safety by wearing a harness that will protect you in the event of a fall. With deep trenches, ensure that there are multiple ladders placed along the trench to allow for a quick exit if necessary.

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