The exponential growth seen in Van Nuys and throughout the rest of California in recent years is due in large part to the efforts of those working in the construction industry. While such professionals no doubt enjoy their work, they also likely understand that theirs is recognized as being one of America’s most dangerous industries. The conditions in which they work, coupled with the tools and equipment used when playing their trade, can make their jobs extremely dangerous. Indeed, information shared by the Industrial Safety and Hygiene News shows that as many as one in ten construction workers are injured every year.
Workplace accidents and injuries are reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which has used the information received from construction companies to compile a list of the most common construction site accidents. Its information shows that the following types of injuries account for over 64 percent of the industry’s workplace fatalities:
- Falls
- Being struck by falling objects or debris
- Electrocutions
- Being caught in/between accidents
It is estimated that eliminating these four types of accidents would save over 600 lives every year.
How can such accidents be eliminated? The responsibility for providing safe working conditions as well as education on accident avoidance falls to the contracting companies that employ construction workers. Not only should every job site have standard safety equipment, but site foremen as well as general laborers should be instructed on accident procedures that detail how to properly summon first responders and render aid (if needed). Unfortunately, such responsibility is often not met, as evidenced by ISHN data showing that the lack of fall protection is the most violated OSHA workplace standard. Employers who fail to adequately protect construction workers could open themselves up to liability.
Key Construction Safety Measures That Can Save Lives
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers must provide construction workers with proper PPE, which includes:
- Hard hats
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- High-visibility vests
- Fall arrest systems (harnesses, lanyards)
- Steel-toed boots
Fall Protection Systems
Falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites. To comply with OSHA 1926 Subpart M, construction sites should implement:
- Guardrails
- Safety nets
- Personal fall arrest systems
- Scaffolding with secure platforms
Safety Procedures and Inspections
Site Safety Inspections
Regular jobsite inspections help identify hazards before they cause injury. Every construction site should be inspected for:
- Equipment malfunctions
- Structural instability
- Missing signage
- Unsafe scaffolding or ladders
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
Before starting any job:
- Conduct a JHA to assess risks
- Outline mitigation strategies
- Involve both foremen and workers
Safety Culture and Training
Developing a behavior-based safety (BBS) culture ensures that:
- Workers are empowered to report hazards
- Safety meetings are held regularly
- Emergency procedures are well-known
Legal Responsibilities and Worker Rights
Employer Liability
Failure to provide safety training, PPE, or maintain safe working conditions may lead to:
- OSHA penalties
- Workers’ compensation claims
- Civil lawsuits
Workers’ Rights After an Injury
Injured construction workers have the right to:
- File for workers’ compensation
- Report unsafe conditions without retaliation
- Seek legal representation
Construction Accident Statistics
According to OSHA and ISHN:
- 1 in 10 construction workers is injured annually
- Over 60% of fatalities stem from the “Fatal Four.”
- Most cited OSHA violation: Lack of fall protection
Including trusted organizations like NIOSH and ANSI in your safety planning can help improve outcomes and reduce legal exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is OSHA’s “Fatal Four” in construction?
These are the four most common causes of workplace deaths:
- Falls
- Struck by an object
- Electrocution
- Caught in/between
What PPE is required on a construction site?
Minimum requirements usually include:
- Hard hats
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Fall protection gear
Can I sue my employer for a construction site injury?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the legal remedy, but lawsuits may be possible if gross negligence or third-party liability is involved.
How do I report an unsafe worksite?
You can file a complaint directly with OSHA, anonymously if needed. It’s illegal for employers to retaliate against safety whistleblowers.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured on a Construction Site in California?
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