Top Four Construction Hazards

Top Four Construction Hazards

The top four causes of construction fatalities are:

1.Falls

2.Struck-By,

3.Caught-In/Between

4.Electrocutions

Prevent Falls

• Wear and use personal fall arrest equipment.

• Install and maintain perimeter protection.

• Cover and secure floor openings and label floor opening covers.

• Use ladders and scaffolds safely.

Prevent Struck-By

• Never position yourself between moving and fixed objects.

• Wear high-visibility clothes near equipment/vehicles.

Prevent Caught-In/Between

• Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation 5 feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in   place; some trenches under 5 feet deep may also need such a system.

• Make sure the trench or excavation is protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or trench shield systems.

Prevent Electrocutions

• Locate and identify utilities before starting work.

• Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment.

• Maintain a safe distance away from power lines; learn the safe distance requirements.

• Do not operate portable electric tools unless they are grounded or double insulated.

• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection.

• Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds or other platforms