The construction industry poses numerous risks for the workers employed, causing almost 20 percent of occupational deaths in 2013. Here are a few reasons why safety in construction is Important. Working in construction ranks exceptionally high on the list when it comes to finding and categorizing the most dangerous occupations in the USA. It is usual for the construction workers to carry out their responsibilities off-site or in far-flung, isolated areas. Not to mention, heavy equipment and machinery are almost used daily to perform day-to-day tasks.
These reasons, along with several more, lead to thousands of construction workers being injured on the job annually, many of whom become disabled to work again due to the severity of their injuries. Therefore, working in the construction sector is highly risky and requires companies to execute continuous and appropriate safety procedures. This article will emphasize why the construction company should take safety seriously.
1. Safety in Construction; The “Fatal Four.”
Known as the “fatal four,” the industry risks associated with construction include falling from a height, getting hit by an object, electrocution, and being crushed or caught by heavy machinery. These risks are more common for workers who work alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they accounted for 57.7 percent of deaths in the construction industry in 2013.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
At times, a hard hat or protective helmet and safety goggles aren’t just enough. However, surprisingly, many construction companies exclusively depend on their PPE for workers’ safety and ignore that injuries will still happen. For example, if your employee has been struck by an object or fallen from a height, it is unlikely that a protective helmet will save the day. Also, if your worker is alone or at a remote site, the only way to know that their safety is in jeopardy is by employing a lone worker safety monitoring service. It is integral to keep a check on your lone workers in an industry like construction.
3. Reduce Response Time
Has your company employed a fail-proof emergency response system yet? Have you done anything to reduce your response time if a worker is in trouble? It is crucial to accept that the unforeseen can happen. That is why construction companies should employ appropriate safety policies to ensure that they react promptly in emergencies.
4. The Company Bears the Loss!
Safety procedures should be in place to reduce workplace injuries. Nevertheless, if your company cannot employ appropriate precautions, you would be violating the laws leading to penalization or prohibition from operating in your sector. In the event of an accident, you might have to shut down your business and bear hefty losses.
Final Words:
Safety in construction sites is necessary to prevent accidents and disasters. It’s not only for workers but to prevent heavy loss and suffering for the material and the business.
