Road construction workers face several hazards while working. In addition to being at risk for a workplace accident involving heavy equipment and machinery, workers also face hazards from vehicles on the road.
]]> Many vehicles travel on Pennsylvania roads and during road construction, workers are at risk for being hit or injured by an uncontrolled vehicle. Most work zones accidents occur when a vehicle is speeding or driving distracted through a construction zone, and unfortunately, there is not much for workers to do to prevent these types of accidents because it all depends on drivers staying alert and slowing down while driving through work zones.The construction industry has increased education on work zone dangers for construction workers. However, workplace safety advocates say that the public needs to become more aware of the dangers associated with work zones to prevent future accidents.
People driving through construction zones need to be aware of the hazards and remember to slow down and obey all signs to keep themselves and construction workers safe. This is not just for the benefit of construction workers because reports show that a majority of fatal work zone accidents involve a motorist. In fact, four out of five work-zone fatalities in the country involve a driver who was speeding or driving distracted through a work zone.
It is important for drivers to remember that it is their responsibility to follow signs and use caution while driving through road construction. Drivers who are not driving safely through work zones are not only putting their lives in danger, but many construction workers as well.
Source: Post-Gazette, "For safety's sake, drivers, please respect work zones," April 22, 2013
]]>A new study found that only 58 percent of construction workers reported either a safety incentive or consequence for reporting work-related injuries. Workers who were disciplined after reporting an accident or injury were 50 percent less likely to report an injury in the future. What's worse, over 30 percent of workers said they never reported their construction accident or injury at work.
]]> Workplace safety advocates say that it is very important for workers to feel comfortable enough to report their work injury. The findings of the study show that despite the OSHA regulations that promote workers to report workplace accidents and injuries, many construction workers underreport injuries out of fear of being disciplined or terminated.Researchers said that while workers know they have the right to report injuries, they often face pressure at work that discourages reporting an injury. The construction industry may only make this issue more prevalent.
The study found that after a construction worker reports an injury or files a worker's compensation claim, they are usually not hired again for new projects. The study did not say if this was only a belief held by many construction workers or if it happens in a majority of cases. However, even if workers only believe they will not be hired again after reporting an injury, it still affects their ability to report their injury and other safety hazards.
Workplace safety advocates said that the construction industry needs to focus on safety incentive programs that reward workers for reporting safety hazards and injuries so they can make efforts to reduce injury rates and address potential safety issues before accidents happen.
Source: EHS Today, "Union Carpenter: 'You're Pretty Much Screwed if You Get Hurt At Work,'" Sandy Smith, Dec. 7, 2012
]]>A new study by Washington University found that that falls are more prevalent in residential construction compared to commercial construction, which is why OSHA has started an awareness campaign to try and reduce construction falls among workers.
]]> Research has shown that construction workers usually know the safety hazards while working but have never seen any improvements to safety so they have become used to working around the hazards. This puts construction workers at an even higher risk for suffering a workplace injury or being killed on the job.The reason residential construction is more dangerous is partly due to the fact that residential frame carpenters seem to have the highest risk of falling while working. These workers are carpenters who frame single-family homes and have a very high injury and fatalities rate in the construction industry.
Roughly 55 percent of residential construction fatalities were caused by workers falling to a lower level while they framed a residential home, according to the study. The study found that these workers face the highest risk of falling because they have to continually work in higher areas that have gaps and the companies usually don't have an on-site safety professional to address any potential hazards.
OSHA is working to raise awareness and change residential construction training to make all workers aware of fall hazards. OSHA enforcement and changing safety guidelines tend to take some time before they can be effective. Construction workers who have been injured should consult a workers' compensation attorney to discuss their case as they may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits and compensation for their injuries.
Source: OHS Online, "Construction Fall Fatalities Can Be Prevented," Bradley Evanoff, Jan. 1, 2013
]]>The accident happened on a major construction project on an interstate highway located in another state. Work was being performed on an overpass that went over some railroad tracks. The overpass was some 60 feet above the tracks. The worker fell into a gap between the lanes of traffic, and fell to his death while working at night.
]]> Officials are still investigating the accident to learn what may have contributed to the worker falling. Safety procedures that were in use at the job site will also be examined to determine if all proper precautions were being followed.Quite often, these massive projects will be under intense deadlines. Workers might feel pressured to complete these tasks as soon as possible, meaning that safety takes a backseat to a quick completion of the project.
OSHA recommends that workers who will be performing tasks where falls may result wear harnesses, or construct guardrails around fall-prone locations. If working at night, employers need to be sure that adequate lighting is present in order to allow for proper visibility.
Workers should take some time to identify potentially hazardous areas at their job site. Always be sure to follow safety procedures, as an accident can happen at any time. By being prepared, it might help to lessen some of the injuries that might occur.
Source: MassLive.com "Massachusetts State Police probing death of I-91 construction worker who fell from highway overpass" Conor Berry, August 30, 2012.
]]>However, a recent report into the deadliest U.S. occupations showed some surprising results at the top of the list. The report, by eTraining, a workplace safety corporation, examined Bureau of Labor statistics to learn both the number of deaths that occurred in certain occupations, as well as the rate per 100,000 workers in any given field.
]]> According to the list, 4 in 10 workplace fatalities resulted due to transportation accidents. This amounts to nearly 700 workers across the United States. Most of these individuals were employed as truck drivers or sales representatives. Assault and violence was second on the list, with 18 percent of fatalities.Occupations that had fewer people working in the industry led the deaths per 100,000 workers list. The fishing industry led in this category, with 116 deaths per 100,000 workers. Loggers were second, with 91.9 per 100,000.
This report underscores the dangers for everyone in the workforce, especially for those that spend a lot of time driving as part of their job duties. Despite the number of workplace fatalities continuing to decrease, one death is still one too many. By learning where some of the trouble spots are, officials may be able to help develop policies and procedures that can cut down on the numbers of deaths occurring.
Source: Los Angeles Times "Safe at work? Deadliest jobs involve driving" Tiffany Hsu, August 23, 2012.
]]>Unfortunately, major construction projects also carry a great deal of risk for those working at the job site. Construction accidents are a constant worry for workers, especially since so many different companies are usually present.
]]> Recently, there have been two crane accidents that have led to workplace fatalities in other states. These accidents underscore the danger that construction workers can face whenever they are on-the-job.In Wisconsin, work was being performed on a bridge that is part of a busy highway. The crane was lifting a 52-ton girder when it collapsed, killing a worker on the bridge. The crane operator was also seriously injured. It was the second fatal crane accident that has happened during this project, and the company's safety record is being called into question.
In Texas, two workers were killed when the crane they were in collapsed. The crane was being used in the construction of a new building on the University of Texas at Dallas campus. Officials investigating the accident believe that weather may have played a role, as a thunderstorm containing wind gusts of 40 miles per hour was approaching the area.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has very strict rules in place when cranes will be used at jobsites. Those companies that do not follow these rules can find themselves receiving severe penalties. This can also result in the projects being shut down until officials can be assured that all safety procedures are being followed.
Source: Oshkosh Northwestern "Contractor under investigation for fatal crane collapse, site reopened to Highway 41 work" Adam Rodewald and Jessica Opoien, July 8, 2012 & Fort Worth Star Telegram "Workers killed in UTD crane collapse identified" July 7, 2012.
]]>Unfortunately, when an accident does occur, the result is often tragic, especially when it involves a fall. Whether a building is simply a one-story office or a multi-story high-rise, workers need to take precautionary measures to help insure their safety.
]]> The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the government agency responsible for creating rules to protect workers, has prepared materials for use in the construction industry that highlight the danger of falls for workers.Falls accounted for 264 of the 774 fatalities that happened in the construction industry during 2010. Over 10,000 additional workers suffered injuries as a result of a fall.
OSHA wants employers and employees to be aware of the potential dangers. Besides falling to a lower level, either off of a roof or scaffolding, employees may fall into holes at the ground level. Jobsites must be set up in a way that prevents these sorts of accidents from happening.
The agency requires that harnesses or safety nets be used in situations where workers will be performing their tasks above ground. Employers must also be sure to put up railings or guardrails that will alert workers to locations where extra caution must be exercised.
While most construction is under serious time constraints, it is important to take steps to prevent accidents. Injured workers may be eligible to file for workers' compensation benefits, but this is only after an accident happens. Putting the right plan in place can help reduce the number of people killed by falls every year.
Source: OSHA "Fall Prevention Campaign"
]]>To help reduce the risk of injury, workers and their employers often take steps to ensure that a project remains safe. However, not everyone takes these initiatives seriously. When someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he or she may not be able to make the split-second decisions necessary to prevent an accident from happening.
]]> Some employers do not have drug and alcohol policies in place, which may subject workers to unnecessary danger while on the job site. Recently, five construction trade associations have joined forces as the Construction Coalition for a Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace.The campaign is designed to help smaller companies that may not be able to draft and implement a drug and alcohol policy on their own. The coalition will provide materials to these companies to help them understand some of the information that must be included, including requirements for each state's drug and alcohol testing policies.
The program will also include ways to recognize substance abuse problems at the job site, and also how to ensure rehabilitation avenues are available to employees with drug or alcohol abuse problems.
The increased awareness may help reduce the number of construction accidents, but workers still need to be aware of some of their options if they are injured. Workers may be eligible to file workers' compensation claims if they are hurt while working. It is important to report any injury as soon as it happens in order to preserve all of the available options.
Source: EHS Today "Drugs and Construction Sites Don't Mix: Staying Sober to Save Lives, Prevent Injuries" Laura Walter, May 17 2012.
]]>While motor vehicles have caused most of the deaths in work zones, they are not the only concern for construction workers. Work zones can be very busy places, with large equipment constantly in use. This equipment can be used to remove or install new surfaces on roads, which can mean that a lot of very heavy objects may be moved over large distances. Construction vehicles will be traveling throughout the zone, forcing workers to be on alert at all times.
Construction companies must follow strict rules, and failing to adhere to these rules may result in high fines. While work zone fatalities have decreased, it is important for employers to take the appropriate steps to protect their workers. As more cars hit the roads for the busy summer traveling season, it will be one more danger for construction workers.
Source: CDC "Highway Work Zone Safety"
]]>Unfortunately, when a construction accident occurs, it can often lead to extremely serious injuries. In many new projects, it may be necessary to prepare the area for the incoming building or roadway. Often, when installing items such as utilities, workers may need to dig trenches to allow them to complete essential work below ground.
]]> Trenching is a particularly dangerous part of any construction project. These trenches may have a small brace present, in order to prevent the ground from suddenly shifting. However, this may not be enough to keep a collapse from trapping workers underground. This can result in workers being suffocated before they can be removed.According to OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, two people are killed each month in trenching accidents across the U.S. Injuries may result from a sudden collapse, a worker falling into an open trench or from being hit by excavating equipment.
Several factors may impact potential accidents. Workers will need to examine the soil where they plan to dig to check for any hazardous or toxic gases that may be present. Additionally, the area surrounding the worksite must be extensively studied to determine if any conditions are present that may cause a sudden collapse.
Workers' compensation may be available to those who are injured in construction accidents. It is important to report any injuries as soon as they occur in order to get the process started as soon as possible. Waiting too long may limit the options that are available for your situation.
Source: OSHA Fact Sheet, "Trenching and Excavation Safety"
]]>The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is considering a rule concerning the amount of contact that is appropriate for workers exposed to crystalline silica. This material is found in many materials that one would typically find at a construction jobsite, including sand and granite.
Silica is problematic because if it is inhaled over a period of years, serious health issues may result, including lung cancer. According to the Department of Labor (DOL), the most recent numbers on silicosis (from 2005) show that there were 161 deaths attributed to the disease in some fashion. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that over 1.7 million workers in the U.S. come into contact with silica each year.
The exact rule has not yet been proposed, because there is some uncertainty what would happen to the construction industry if exposure to silica was regulated. This could cause project costs to skyrocket.
However, despite the potential cost to the industry, safety advocates believe that such a rule is necessary, and are very concerned with the unusual delay. Once the rule has been announced, expect there to be further debate over its impact to workers and businesses.
Source: Huffington Post, "Silica Rule Sits At White House, Endangering Lives, Worker Safety Advocates Say," Dave Jamieson, Jan. 25, 2012
]]>