OSHA Defense
Basic Safety Rules for Construction Professionals Part 2
When on the jobsite, construction workers may be in a production state of mind. In other words, they may be so focused on their task that they fail to be conscious of their safety. As experienced OSHA attorneys, we know that it is easier for this to happen the longer someone has been working in the field because complacency can set in. Even worse, if your company is not proactive about safety education, you are only encouraging a poor safety culture.
In part one, we shared four safety rules. In this last section, we will provide more practical safety rules to convey to your workers.
Protect Yourself in the Line of Fire
Dangers vary on a construction site depending on the work you are doing. The phrase “in the line of fire” simply means being in harm’s way. For example, if you are in the path of a moving object, you are in the line of fire. Accidents such as being caught in or between an object (e.g., a wall and excavator) or being struck by an object (e.g., a moving vehicle) are among the top four leading causes of fatalities in construction. Hazard elimination, engineering controls, and being aware of your surroundings are the best ways to avoid these types of accidents.
Perform Regular Housekeeping
Housekeeping is critical for preventing injuries on a busy jobsite. Slips, falls, sprains, and other injuries are sometimes caused by an inattentiveness to debris, waste, and other hazards on the construction site. Keep all areas clean and organized. Properly storing tools, equipment, and other materials is also a part of good housekeeping and will reduce the potential for tool damage, explosions, and more.
Hazard Communication
Every worker should know the unique hazards they will be exposed to in the workplace. Never assume that a worker knows this information. Since conditions are known to change on a construction site, regular safety meetings and even daily communication are necessary to address and alert workers to hazards. Empowering workers with this information enables them to become active participants in accident avoidance.
From the CEO and down the chain, safety needs to be a core value of your company. A poor safety culture can lead to injuries and fatalities as well as hefty OSHA penalties, but our OSHA attorneys are here to help.
If you would like to speak with an OSHA attorney please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.