Construction sites are dangerous places. Workers and pedestrians alike need to take precautions to stay safe. By following some simple safety tips, everyone can help avoid accidents and injuries. Keep reading for construction site safety tips.
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Construction Accidents
Construction site accidents can happen in several ways. Some more common accidents include workers being struck by objects, electrocutions, fires, and falls. If you do experience an accident at a construction site, you should consult a construction accident lawyer. You can easily find a construction accident lawyer by searching online. For example, searching for Chicago construction accident lawyers will provide you with the Walner Law firm.
Many of these construction accidents can be prevented with the proper safety precautions. Workers should always wear the appropriate safety gear, including hard hats, gloves, boots, and eye protection. They should also be aware of their surroundings and watch for potential hazards. Special care must be taken to avoid contact when working near electrical wires or equipment.
Pedestrian Traffic
When working at or near a construction site, you must be aware of your surroundings and watch for traffic. Construction workers should wear bright colors so they can be seen quickly by drivers and should also make sure to stay out of the way of oncoming traffic. Drivers should also drive attentively and watch out for construction workers. Pedestrians should also take precautions when walking near construction sites. They should avoid walking in areas where construction takes place and obey all traffic signals and signs. If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk on the far side of the street from the construction site.
Dangerous Equipment
When walking near construction equipment, it is essential to use caution. Construction equipment can be dangerous and even fatal if proper precautions are not taken. Some common pieces of construction equipment that can be hazardous are backhoes, bulldozers, cranes, and dump trucks. Backhoes have a large scoop on the front that can easily crush someone if they are in the way. Bulldozers have a sharp blade on the front that can cut someone if they are too close. Cranes can swing their arms wide and kill or injure people standing too close. Dump trucks can tip over if someone steps in front of them.
To stay safe when walking near construction equipment, keeping a distance of at least 25 feet (7 meters) is essential. If you cannot keep away from the equipment, find an alternate route. Always pay attention to what the construction workers are doing so you know when it is safe to cross paths with the equipment. Never try climbing on or jumping over construction equipment because this could result in severe injury or death.
Falling Objects
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry are falls, electrocutions, and being struck by objects. To prevent these types of accidents, it is essential to be aware of the dangers on a construction site and take precautions to stay safe. One way to avoid being injured by a falling object is to be mindful of your surroundings. Construction workers should always be alert and look up when working around scaffolding or other elevated surfaces, as items such as tools or materials can easily fall off and injure someone below.
Another essential safety measure for workers and pedestrians is wearing proper safety gear. Hard hats should always be worn on-site, as they can help protect against head injuries from falling objects. Eye protection is also recommended when working in an area with a risk of debris flying into the face. In addition, workers should wear sturdy shoes with rubber soles to minimize their chances of slipping on wet surfaces or tripping over something on the ground. By following these simple tips, everyone can help reduce their risk of being injured by a falling object at a construction site.
