�鶹��Ƶ

In the construction industry, a lot can go wrong with the progress and completion of the structure itself. By the same token, many potential situations pose risk to the health and safety of employees and others working on the jobsite. Hazardous conditions can have both short-term and long-term financial consequences along with the possibility of work-related illness or injury. 

The (OSHA) and the (AIHA) have both developed “Focus Four” lists that highlight job hazards that can have long-term negative effects on the health of employees — and a business as a whole.

Here's an overview of the top safety and health hazards in construction, regulations around them and preventive measures and resources contractors can use to mitigate these risks. 

The Importance of Health and Safety in Construction

Health and safety policies are important for construction businesses: They can significantly reduce workplace risks and boost the safety and well-being of employees. 

Implementing comprehensive health and safety processes can help save lives. Despite widespread regulations, the construction industry still accounts for . Businesses must continue to work to prevent these incidents. 

Safety rules can also boost productivity by minimizing downtime and preventing costly accidents. For instance, regular safety training and adherence to safety protocols can prevent common construction injuries, leading to fewer work disruptions and a more efficient project timeline. 

Moreover, a safe work environment may positively impact workers' mental and physical health. Currently, . Actively working to take safety precautions seriously could help to foster a culture of trust and responsibility for everyone on the jobsite. 

Finally, compliance with local, state and federal safety regulations is compulsory. Businesses that don’t adhere to legal standards can result in severe financial penalties, legal actions and damage to a company’s reputation. Prioritizing health and safety is far more than a “nice to have” in a construction business - it represents a strategic investment that enhances project outcomes and supports the long-term success of the business.

Examples of Construction Safety Regulations

The construction industry in the United States is subject to several regulations designed to make sure the safety and well-being of workers, by working to recognize and minimize risks.

: Congress passed the Occupational and Safety Health Act (OSH Act) to assure safe and healthful working conditions for workers. Its goal was to make sure employers protect workers from recognized hazards like exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise, temperature stress or unsanitary conditions.

: Whereas the OSH Act establishes a framework for workplace safety and health regulations, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 sets specific standards that focus on construction safety and health regulations. They cover a wide range of topics like fall protection and scaffolding, trenching and electrical safety, and set rigorous rules for safety protocols. 

State-Specific Health and Safety Regulations: State-specific construction safety regulations can vary significantly. Construction leaders have to be sure their sites meet any additional requirements on top of the federal OSHA standards. For instance, construction sites in California must be sure to follow the rules set out by the Cal/OSHA Standards. For instance, Cal/OSHA has specific regulations for in outdoor workplaces, requiring employers to provide access to shade, water and rest breaks to prevent heat-related illnesses. These rules are particularly important for construction workers in the state's hot climate. 

:  American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in collaboration with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), set guidelines and best practices developed to promote workplace safety and health. These standards cover a wide range of safety and health topics, and include regulations on fall protection, health and safety management systems, risk management and confined spaces.

These standards are voluntary but widely adopted by industries to enhance safety practices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Common Health and Safety Hazards on Construction Sites

It takes determination and good systems to stay on top of all applicable health and safety regulations. It may help to recognize a few of the common areas covered, widely recognized as being risks on construction job sites.

1. Falls

It's no secret how dangerous — and unfortunately prevalent — falls are. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls accounted for  as of 2022.

Falls trigger a lot of OSHA safety inspections, and they account for half of the top 10 violations in construction. Many of the accidents stem from oversights that could have been prevented with more vigilance on the job. Construction leaders must be wary of these hazards and make prevention a part of the formal safety program. 

OSHA requires that holes in walking surfaces and skylight areas six feet or higher above a lower level must be protected by covers, guardrails, or fall arrest systems. Guardrail installation also applies to stairs, runways, and ramps situated six feet above a lower level. Establishing and enforcing these guidelines as part of daily operations can significantly reduce the number of falls on the job. 

2. Getting Caught In or Between

Getting caught in a piece of machinery or caught between a piece of heavy equipment and the ground or a wall could result in the loss of life or limb. Clothing or jewelry can get tangled up in an unprotected pulley or conveyor system, while unguarded trenches pose risk for collapse and crushing injuries or suffocation. 

To reduce the risk of injury or death, contractors must train employees to be aware of heavy equipment during operation and refrain from wearing loose clothing or apparatuses attached to the body that can get caught up in moving machinery parts. Workers should also stay clear of the radius of operation for devices such as fans, drive belts, or come-alongs, for example. 

3. Struck-by Accidents

Head, neck, or bodily injuries and death most often occur when workers use power tools, walk beneath elevated work areas, and situate themselves near improperly stored building materials. caused 150 fatalities and 14,000 injuries in 2020. , "75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes."

Prevention and risk avoidance remain top priorities for contracting businesses. Among the top safety measures implemented in daily operations, it's important to make sure all loads being moved are secured, caution employees to steer clear of suspended loads and overhead work and strictly enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard helmets and safety glasses. 

4. Electrocution

Powered-up equipment and electrical lines stand out as two principal risks on a jobsite. Inadvertent contact with exposed or hot wires or improper operation of energized machinery hold obvious peril for employees who have not undergone necessary safety training. 

According to CPWR, The Center for Construction Education and Training, electrical contractors account for about . The risk is highest for power line installers, who have the highest rate of electrocution death of any occupation.

Go beyond OSHA regulations.

The �鶹��Ƶ Safety Qualified program provides construction professionals with everything they need to know to create a culture of safety.

Take the course

Part of a formal safety program aimed at reducing burns or electrocution must require that workers wear clothing and PPE that includes boots, gloves, long-sleeved garments, and face shields. Keeping a safe distance from power lines and marking areas where powered equipment is in use will also help minimize the risk for electrical accidents. Leaders should also make sure that electrical equipment is adequately powered down and completely shut off. 

5. Manual Material Handling

AIHA cautions construction companies that moving building materials and equipment manually can lead to health complications. Pushing, pulling, holding, and carrying construction items often places employees in awkward and unnatural positions that can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).

These injuries often result in missed time or permanent incapacity. Financial distress can result from a lack of skilled labor and possible workers' compensation insurance claims. 

Some methods to avoid MSDs involve dropping materials as close as possible to where they’ll be deployed or installed. Heavy loads should be transported by carts, dollies, and lifting tables. Innovative tools that cut down on muscle strain and overexertion should replace less modern items. Analyze work processes to identify how efficiency and proper ergonomics can be optimized.

6. Noise

It's no secret that construction jobsites are noisy. But that noise can be more than a simple annoyance: High levels of noise exposure can cause permanent hearing loss. The impairment occurs gradually without an employee recognizing that damage is occurring. While other injuries can often be corrected, hearing loss is neither reversible nor curable. Thus, prevention becomes a key concern for construction employees. 

Employees may be unaware of unsafe noise levels, so continual detection helps reduce the chance of hearing loss. According to OSHA , the permissible noise exposure limit for an 8-hour shift is 90 dbA () -- similar to the noise level of a leaf blower or a music concert. (A from the Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia found that nearly all construction equipment operates at or above 90 db.) If employees are exposed to noise above established limits, employers must provide personal protective equipment such as adequate ear protection.

If the time-weighted average (i.e., sound levels averaged over the work period) exceeds 85 A-weighted decibels, OSHA requires employers to notify employees, monitor noise levels, and implement a hearing conservation program, among other requirements.

7. Air Contaminants

Construction workers are often exposed to fumes, vapors, gases, dust, and other contaminants on the jobsite. These contaminants are inhaled through the mouth and nose, the most common routes of entry. Though less common, swallowing hazardous airborne particles must also be accounted for in safety protocols. According to a , more than half of all construction workers report at least two exposures weekly to such contaminants. 

One common contaminant, crystalline silica, is found in masonry and concrete products. may result in a condition known as Silicosis, which can lead to respiratory disease and even death.

PPE becomes an integral part of how contractors manage the risk of air contamination. Masks and respirators must be used where contaminants come into play. Monitoring constantly changing unsafe levels of contaminants helps drive new safety protocols while adequate ventilation in closed spaces also helps lessen the chance that employee health issues can arise.

Planning for contaminants allows leaders to provide employees with the appropriate barriers to possible illnesses and injuries. 

8. High Temperatures

Construction work in hot climates can have severe health implications when overexposure factors into the equation. Heat stroke is one of the most common conditions to prevent when working in extreme temperatures.

Dangerously, heat stroke is often difficult to diagnose. Afflicted workers are typically suffering from impaired judgment and have trouble describing their symptoms. Contractors should create a plan for recognizing and treating symptoms work is done in full sun and the heat index rises.

OSHA several steps to reduce heat illness on the jobsite:

• Drink cool water (1 cup every 30 minutes)
• Take rest breaks
• Find shade
• Dress for the heat
• Watch out for each other
• Change masks or face coverings if they get wet or soiled

This is especially important for new employees who haven't acclimatized to working in the heat. OSHA reports that nearly 3 in 4 heat-related fatalities occur during the first week of work. As a result, they recommend the "20% Rule:" On a worker's first day, don't allow them to work more than 20% of their normal shift in the full heat intensity. Increase their work time by no more than 20% each day until they acclimatize to the working conditions.

Construction Health and Safety Best Practices

Here is a list of health and safety best practices that construction businesses should follow to protect and enforce the safety and well-being of their workers:

1. Perform Regular Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough risk assessments before starting any project to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks.
   
2. Use the Right Equipment and Machinery: Use equipment and machinery that are suitable for the task at hand, regularly maintained and compliant with safety standards. Inspect and service equipment regularly to prevent malfunctions.
   
3. Establish Safety Standards and Procedures: Develop safety standards and procedures tailored to the specific construction activities at hand. Communicate protocols clearly to all workers.
   
4. Conduct Regular Safety Audits: Perform periodic safety audits to review and evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures to identify areas for improvement and compliance with safety regulations.
   
5. Determine Emergency Procedures and Preparedness: Establish clear emergency procedures for various scenarios, like fires, medical emergencies or natural disasters. Conduct drills regularly to so all workers are familiar with these procedures.
   
6. Value Workers’ Well-Being: Promote the mental and physical health of workers by providing resources for stress management, ergonomic assessments and preventive health measures. Encourage open communication about health and safety concerns.
   
7. Continuous Safety Training: Provide ongoing safety training and education to all employees, ensuring that they are aware of the latest safety practices and technologies. Tailor training to address specific hazards encountered on site.
   

By implementing these best practices, construction businesses can create safer work environments, enhance project efficiency and protect their most valuable asset— their workforce.

Building a Safer Future

Lost days at work can impact the scheduled timeline and projected profitability of a job. Skilled labor will be more difficult to come by if a company has a track record of unhealthy and unsafe business practices. Higher volumes of workers' compensation claims will cause policy premiums to skyrocket, adding yet another unwanted expense to operations. 

And while the timely completion of a project is critical, nothing holds more importance than the safety and well-being of employees.

Written by