Prevent Construction Accidents: Top Tips for Workers

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the country,according to a recent study. When you are working in the construction trade, it's absolutely vital that you are aware of the potential dangers and take all reasonable safety precautions. Here are some of the top safety tips for anyone involved in construction work.

Always Wear the Appropriate Equipment
Your employer will provide any necessary safety equipment, so make certain that you wear it as required. Of course, you should wear your hard hat and steel-toed boots at all times. Also, wear your safety glasses as needed. Another good idea is to avoid wearing any loose-fitting clothes to prevent it from getting caught in machinery.

Follow All Lockout/Tag-Out Procedures
If you operate or service any dangerous equipment on a construction site, it's vital that you follow all lockout/tag-out procedures as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The procedure involved shutting down any equipment that has the potential to emit hazardous energy, such as a power generator.

The term "lockout/tag out" refers to placing a lock on any dangerous equipment while it's not in use,as well as an attaching a tag to the machinery that warns workers to stay away from the device while it is locked. Follow the relevant lockout/tag-out procedures to the letter if you operate this type of machinery. If you see a lock or a tag on a machine,avoid making any contact with the device.

Prevent Slips and Falls
Falls and slips are common on construction sites. If you need to climb a ladder or scaffolding during your work, make sure the ladder is firmly planted on stable ground and that the scaffolding is secure. If you must use a harness, test it first to see that it's in good working order.

Another key point to remember is that that falls and slips often occur on the ground. The floors and walkways of construction sites are often uneven and it's easy to lose your balance if you are not careful. Always watch where you're walking and clean up any spills on the floor or walkway as soon as possible.

Avoid Falling Objects
Another of the most common causes of construction accidents are falling objects. Never remove your hardhat while on the site,as doing so will make you much more vulnerable to an injury from a falling object. Even if no work is going on, wear the hat. Aboard or some other object could come loose and fall at any time.

If you are working above ground level, have your hand-tools attached to a lanyard to prevent the tools from potentially falling onto another worker.

Prevent Motion Injuries
Motion injuries occur when a worker is engaged in activities that put extra stress on their bodies such as twisting, turning or lifting. Try to avoid making quick, sudden movements. If at all possible, do not carry heavy objects when you are climbing a ladder or scaffold.

To prevent back injuries,always bend your knees when you lift a heavy object. If you must lift heavy objects often, wear a back brace. Another good idea to avoid these types of injuries is to do some stretching exercises before the shift starts to keep yourself limber.

Follow these top tips to reduce the odds that you are injured due to a construction site accident. Unfortunately,even if you take all reasonable precautions,an accident can still occur. If an accident does happen to you, you will need expert legal counsel to help you get compensation for your injuries. Contact us at Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi for more information.