Appreciate Safety — Know the Construction Focus Four!
by Michelle Dreier
Executive Manager
Every day we go to work in the morning with the expectation that we will arrive home in much the same condition. For some that does not happen. In 2015 there were 937 construction workers that were killed on the job. Construction had more fatalities than any other industry and it was the deadliest year since 2008.
May is Electrical Safety month. Keep yourself and your workers safe by keeping an eye on the “Construction Focus Four,” the four most common causes of injury in the construction field:
- Caught-in or Caught-between
- Electrocution
- Falls
- Struck-by
Remember that new workers may not be familiar with the many hazards found on the construction site. Focus on continuous training. Partner them with a construction veteran that can show them the ropes and model safe behavior. Make use of electrical safety talks every morning prior to the start of work.
Always be aware of situations where a worker could be caught. Trenching accidents are often tragic. Loose clothing can be pulled into or caught in machinery. Loads of material can suddenly shift, pinning an individual between the supplies and a wall. When an injury is caused by being crushed between two objects, it is a caught injury.
Nonfatal electrical injuries resulting in days away from work rose by one third in 2015 over 2014 to 2,480, the highest level since 2009. Every year thousands of workers are injured or killed by circuits they thought were safely turned off. 134 occupational electrical fatalities occurred in 2015. Simply shutting off the power is not enough. Apply proper lockout/tagout procedures. Always test to make the certain the circuit is off before you touch and verify the testing device.
Fall protection is required for individuals working over six feet above ground in construction. Do not create or use makeshift scaffolding. Beware of unusual openings in walking surfaces or roofs, such as trenches, improperly covered floor holes or open skylights. Know these openings can be particularly difficult to see while carrying something. Do not use broken or compromised ladders.
In construction, Struck-by can look a lot like caught hazards. When the impact alone creates the injury, the event is considered struck. One of the first things you learn when entering a construction site is “Be aware, look up.” Objects dropped from scaffolding is one example of a struck-by hazard. Although dump trucks beep as they back up, workers can quickly get used to and tune out the noise. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for workers to be backed over, causing serious injury or death. Cranes or forklifts carrying improperly secured loads can have items shift and fall or swing unexpectedly injuring workers.
Being aware and being educated of possible hazards can greatly reduce injury on the jobsite. Members can take advantage of the MEA’s prepared electrical safety talks free of charge. Call 612-827-6117 to learn more or visit www.electricalassociation.com and follow “Resources > Members Only.”