A safe jobsite requires identifying and addressing potential hazards through regular inspections, safety protocols, and providing PPE to workers. These steps create a safer and more productive work environment.
#1 Fall Hazards
Falls are the number one killer of construction workers on the job. The different heights at which fall protection is required are:
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6' General Fall Protection
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10' Scaffolds
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15' - 30' Steel Erection
If a worker is performing a job within one of the heights mentioned above, fall protection systems such as Guardrail Systems and Personal Fall Arrest (PFA) Systems must be in place.
#2 Electrocutions
One of the top ten most cited OSHA standards; electrocutions are the second deadliest fatal four construction hazard. This is why OSHA has a specific regulatory standard for safety training and electrical work.
Some safe work practices for live electrical work on the jobsite are:
Some safe work practices for live electrical work on the jobsite are:
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Locate & identify utilities before starting work
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Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment
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Maintain a safe distance away from power lines
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Do not operate portable electric tools unless they are grounded or double insulated
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Use ground-fault surge protectors
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Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds or other platform
#3 Struck-By Object/Hazard
A struck-by hazard is anything at a worksite that could produce injuries by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment. The difficulty with protecting workers from flying objects is that they may not be participating in the work that causes the object to fly. Workers need to make sure coworkers follow the safety rules outlined by OSHA and the employer, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the worksite.
Four Struck-by Hazard Categories
Four Struck-by Hazard Categories
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Flying object
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Falling object
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Swinging object
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Rolling object
OSHA requires employers to protect workers from struck-by hazards by:
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Meeting OSHA construction standards for all heavy equipment, motor vehicle, and general requirements included in
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Providing proper PPE, like wearing high-visibility clothes near equipment/vehicles
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Providing required training for equipment and vehicles
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Ensuring qualifications of operators, riggers, signal persons, and competent persons
#4 Caught-in/Between
Trench and excavation cave-ins, and workplace accidents where workers are pinned or caught-between machinery or fixed structures, often happen suddenly and without warning.
To avoid being caught in or between objects you must:
To avoid being caught in or between objects you must:
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Never enter an unprotected trench 5 feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in place
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Make sure the trench or excavation is protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or trench shield systems.
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Never position yourself between moving and fixed objects