Four effective ways to make construction sites safer include proper planning, managing risk, scheduling and staffing, and encouraging a culture of safety. Any construction project needs to have a comprehensive plan including strategy, equipment and tools. Examples are zoning with areas blocked off and scaffolds to prevent injuries due to falls. Statistically, three-quarters of fatal construction accidents occur from Monday to Thursday. Most fatalities happen between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Smaller companies have a substantially higher death rate than larger companies.
As work increases, so do accidents
In the summer, there is a higher rate of deaths. This could be linked to dehydration. Emphasizing these factors are forms of risk management. Construction work is physically and mentally taxing and employers should educate workers on the frequency of night shift fatalities and injury risk for those working 12-hour days. Employers may want to have workers take part in a course provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Having events can also enhance vigilance and give workers mechanisms and tactics to prevent accidents.
Although these practices can be effective, there will likely be work accidents on construction sites. Workers can face lost income, lost time on the job and fatalities. Injured workers should understand how to pursue workers’ compensation benefits while also considering the possibility of a mistake by a separate contractor, a property owner or another third party. A firm with experience in construction accident cases may be able to help.
