Construction work is among the most important work done in terms of creating and maintaining the infrastructure of our country. But there are many risks associated with this kind of work. The top ten risks and hazards from working on Deer Park Construction Company sites include:
- Working at height.
- Moving objects.
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Noise and hearing damage.
- Asbestos exposure.
- Electrical shock.
Knowing what these risks involve and how to protect yourself is key to maintaining a safe and secure construction site. This is what Deer Park Construction Company has as their number one goal, and they offer training to all of their construction workers to help them stay safe and avoid these common risks and injuries!
Working at Height
The Health and Safety Executive reported that just a few short years ago, as much as 25% of worker fatalities that occurred on construction sites were caused by workers falling from a height of more than 10 feet off the ground. This put working at height in the number one spot when it comes to the causes of fatal injuries to workers making it a major issue that has to be addressed and dealt with on every single construction site!
Moving Objects
A construction site is never the same day to day. Machines move around, loads of woods and stone and debris are growing and being moved around the site. Supplies and equipment are often not in the same spot as they were a few days ago. All this movement means increased risk for injury whether it is from the actual moving of the materials or issues related to running into materials and tripping or falling over recently relocated supplies.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips and trips are the most common non-fatal workplace-related injury reported each year with some workplace studies reporting that up to 50% of all reported construction site injuries involve tripping or slipping of some kind. In most cases, these hazards would have easily been avoided if proper care and attention were given to the equipment and the environment at the time of the injury. This is why every worker must always be alert!
Noise and Hearing Damage
Loud, repetitive, and excessive noise has been shown in study after study to have long-lasting and devastating effects on a person’s hearing. Exposure to loud noises every day on a construction site can lead to deafness in extreme cases. It can also pose a major distraction and can impact a person’s ability to focus, think clearly, and work safely. Safety gear such as earphones and plugs are often required to help reduce the risk of hearing damage.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is the name for a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is often used in various construction materials such as insulation, drywall, tile, and plumbing. Airborne asbestos fibers can be breathed in, and they can cause serious harm over time, even decades after exposure! Lung problems including mesothelioma are the most common health problems and it is critical that care is taken to not breathe in dust materials when working!
Electricity
Electricity is a must on any construction site because it is what makes the tools run and keeps the lights on at night so more work can be done. However, it can also be a dangerous and deadly power when misused. Shocks can occur when wiring is handled or hooked up incorrectly or when electronics are exposed to water or other moisture sources. Electric shocks are a common cause of falls from ladders, scaffolds, and other work platforms.
To learn more about construction site safety and how you can keep your crew safe, contact Deer Park Construction Company today!
