As part of their daily job, construction workers are exposed to hazards that can cause anything from a minor cut or bruise to instant death. The following information briefly covers the importance of safety in construction work and what you can do to ensure your construction workers health.
Common Types of Construction Fatalities
In an article on the Global Construction website, journalist Abigail Phillips reported that the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that 20 percent of the 4,000 worker fatalities in 2011 were construction related. Most construction injuries occurred because of :
- Falls
- Electrocution
- Being hit by an object
- Being trapped or inside objects.
Construction site procedures that improve safety in these areas can be among the most important components of a site safety program.
The Need for Health Insurance
Construction workers can usually rely on workers’ compensation if they are injured on the job, but health outcomes can be improved by making sure employees have access to an affordable health insurance program. This ensures access to immediate treatment and to health maintenance and prevention programs.
Applying Safety Policies
A group of well-planned and executed health and safety policies for your employees can be very effective at preventing injuries or related problems that can affect workers’ physical well-being and job performance. Another benefit of a comprehensive safety plan is that you will be able to obtain your employee health insurance rates at a lower rate.
Beneficial safety practices in this area include:
- Devising a safety plan that is specific to the individual construction site and involves all employees, contractors, subcontractor, suppliers, and anyone else who may spend time on the site.
- Identifying any specific safety hazards on the site before construction work begins.
- Appointing safety personnel before construction begins and ensuring that each authorized safety person knows their responsibilities.
Construction Monitor helps construction professionals with accurate information on the latest industry trends and developments. Contact us today for more information on the importance of safety in construction work and for construction lead services in Cedar City.
Understanding the most common types on construction site fatalities will make it easier to recognize which areas of safety to focus your training on. Great tips!