According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and deaths in the United States. Learn what you can do to prevent construction-related workplace injuries.
OSHA Fatal 4
Electrocution
- Locate and identify utilities such as overhead power lines and underground wires before starting work
- Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment
- Maintain safe distances from power lines
- Do not operate portable electric tools unless grounded or double-insulated
- Always use ground-fault protection
Falls From Heights
- Wear and use personal fall arrest equipment
- Cover and secure floor openings and label floor opening covers
- Install and maintain perimeter protection
- Use ladders and scaffolds safely
Struck-by
- Never position yourself between moving and fixed objects
- Wear high-visibility clothes near equipment/vehicles
Caught-in / Between
- Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation 5 feet or deeper without adequate protective systems in place. Some under 5 feet deep may also require protection
- Make sure the trench of excavation is protected by either sloping, shoring, benching, or trench shield systems
