Preventing the Fatal 4 Construction Casualties
Construction is known to be one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. In one year alone, over 5,000 workers died on the job — about 15 deaths each day. These astounding numbers make the danger clear, but unfortunately, solutions aren’t as easy to identify as the hazards. Still, it is the responsibility of every construction manager and safety specialist to prevent potential deaths and injuries by proactively identifying risk factors. One of the best ways to do this is to focus on the 4 major causes of fatalities in construction. If you want to protect construction workers, pay attention to these four most common worksite hazards.
Falls
Falls are commonly identified as the single most common cause of injury and death on construction job sites, and it’s easy to see why. As construction workers are perched atop scaffolding, one misstep can result in a tragic accident. Injuries and deaths would be reduced massively by consistent use of protective equipment such as harnesses, but sometimes this equipment malfunctions due to extensive wear and tear. Scaffolds and protective equipment should always be inspected for safety to ensure that workers’ risk is minimized while they are working on an elevated surface.
Electrocution
Another common cause of death and injury is the prevalence of electrocution accidents on construction sites. Because of the nature of the job, power lines are often exposed, and insufficient warnings can cause workers to come into contact with these exposed power sources. Sometimes tools are the culprit when power cords become frayed because of wear and tear. If left unaddressed, this can cause an electrocution risk, too. Electrocutions don’t always result in death, though, and sometimes a worker is injured. In these instances, a CA workers compensation claim may follow the injury.
Struck By Objects
Sometimes, height-related construction hazards can cause the most harm when a worker is actually on the ground. These incidents occur when a worker is struck and injured by an object. This most commonly happens on construction sites when a person is working underneath scaffolding and a tool or object falls from above. If the item hits the person below, it can cause a serious injury or even death. This can be prevented by securing all loose objects that are used on an elevated surface.
Caught Between
Finally, the fourth most common cause of construction site injuries and death is the occurrence of caught-between accidents. As the name implies, this happens when a construction worker is caught between two objects that collide. This can cause the worker to become compressed between the objects, resulting in injuries or death. Construction managers should prevent caught between accidents by encouraging distance workers to maintain distance between themselves and large objects.
About Coastal Oak Insurance Services
At Coastal Oak Insurance Services, we strive to protect your personal and business assets from coast to coast. When you work with us, you’re family. Contact us today at (949) 519-3738 to learn more about how we can provide you with comprehensive and tailored insurance coverage.
