Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the US; in 2023, the construction industry had more workplace deaths than any other industry, according to National Safety Council analysis of BLS data. At Tucker Paving, safety is our leading concern. We have a robust safety program that includes employing a full-time Safety Director, an emphasis on formal training, conducting daily inspections and pre-start toolbox training, utilizing substance abuse testing, and establishing safety policies that meet and frequently exceed requirements. Additionally, it’s a good thing to know what the most common dangers are in the construction industry, and how to avoid them.
OSHA’s Top Four Construction Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, keeps track of injuries and fatalities sustained in the workplace. These are the four biggest hazards in the construction industry—those most likely to result in death—and how to avoid them:
- Falls. Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and “falls from heights” can be falling off scaffolding, a roof, ladder, equipment, falling while entering or exiting heavy machinery, and more.
Avoiding Falls:
- Wear PPE like fall harnesses attached to personal fall arrest equipment; ensure that it fits you well as OSHA recently made it a requirement that PPE cannot be “one size fits all.”
- Utilize and maintain perimeter protections like signage and railings.
- Ensure floor openings are covered, secured, and labelled.
- Use scaffolding and ladders correctly and safely.
2. Struck-By. “Struck-by” accidents are any time a worker is struck by something, such as a falling object, an object that is swinging, or a moving vehicle.
Preventing Struck-By accidents:
- Ensure that you are never between a moving object and a fixed object.
- Wear PPE, including safety helmets and high-vis clothing and accessories, when near equipment or vehicles that move.
3. Caught-In/Between. These accidents include being trapped or crushed, such as in a trenching cave-in, under collapsed material, or in moving machinery.
Preventing Caught-In/ Between accidents:
- Follow OSHA’s “slope it, shore it, shield it” rule to prevent trench and excavation cave-ins.
- Never enter a trench or excavation that is unprotected and 5 feet or deeper without a protective system in place.
4. Electrocutions. Electrocution occurs when a worker makes contact with a live electrical current and is shocked, such as through touching energized electrical equipment, faulty wiring, or being close by when electricity arcs.
Preventing Electrocutions:
- Find and label utilities before working or digging.
- Ensure equipment or machinery is never close to overhead power lines.
- Portable electrical tools must be grounded or double insulated.
- Utilize ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- Ensure ladders, scaffolding, etc. do not cause an electrical hazard.
- Inspect all electrical components of tools and machinery for wear and tear before use.
Safety is always our biggest priority at Tucker Paving. We have nearly 30 years of experience in the asphalt and concrete paving industry. We complete projects for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online, and let us help you with your next project.