Your work in construction allows you to personally contribute to the growth of cities like Glendale. Yet with these work-related rewards also comes the risks inherent with the construction industry. You likely understand that your job can be dangerous, yet are you familiar with the common dangers that practitioners in your field face? Many who come to see us here at Glauber Berenson Vego are not, yet they are often shocked to discover that the statistics showing such information are readily available. Furthermore, it is often surprising how, in light of this data, your employer may still not be adequately protecting you from common “on-the-job” risks.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has compiled workplace accident data to identify the dangers that America’s workers face. Specifically in regards to the construction industry, they have identified what has come to be known as the “Fatal Four.” These are the four most common causes of work-related fatalities amongst construction workers. The list includes falls, being struck by falling objects, electrocutions, or being caught in (or in between) equipment or work surfaces. All told, 63.7 percent of all construction industry fatalities in 2016 were attributed to the Fatal Four.
Yet despite this information, hazards contributing to Fatal Four-type accidents rank among the most common citations issued by OSHA. Each of the following fell in within the top 10 most common safety issues cited in 2017:
- Lack of fall protection
- Issues with scaffolding
- Control of hazardous energy
- Ladder use
- Machinery and machine guarding
- Electrical wiring methods
Your safety (as well as that of your coworkers) is your employer’s responsibility. Knowing the most common dangers you face, it is not unreasonable of you to expect added measures be taken to protect you from them.
More information on common workplace hazards can be found by continuing to explore our site.