As a reputable building materials supplier, we like to think of ourselves as advocates for on-the-job safety within the construction industry. Construction safety is an important issue. In 2016, the reported 937 construction worker deaths from fatal work injuries. Of these workers, 35% died from falls, making falls the leading cause of death in construction.
The most vital thing to take away from this is that we can help prevent construction worker deaths by implementing proper fall protection, as outlined by the (OSHA). Below, you will find information on how you can improve fall protection on your work sites and save money in the long run.
Preventing Fatal Falls in Construction
To help improve job site conditions for construction workers and prevent falls, it’s important that the construction industry band together. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 81% of construction laborer fall fatalities were caused by falling to a lower level. These types of on-the-job deaths are preventable through . A reliable construction contractor will make sure that their workers are properly protected through fall protection equipment, careful planning, and worker safety education.
Part of comes from being aware of the common fall hazards in a construction site. For example, holes or skylights can be hazardous to roofing contractors. Most often it’s not that we plan to fail, it’s that we fail to plan. Making considerations for construction laborer safety is no different. Before beginning a project, be sure to carefully consider the kind of equipment most suitable for the job. This includes making sure that the right kinds of safety gear, ladders, and scaffolds are present at the job site.
Be sure to also educate your workers on proper safety protocol when working on roofs, ladders, or scaffolding. OSHA has great in both English and Spanish that you can place around your worksite or distribute to construction laborers.
Cost Savings for Contractors in the Long Run
In 1999, a compliance directive from OSHA allowed residential construction contractors to use alternative means of fall protection without offering evidence that standard fall protection wasn’t safe or feasible for the job. When information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that falls were the leading cause of work-related death for construction laborers, this changed.
Previously, small residential businesses were given some slack if they couldn’t afford proper safety equipment. Now, safety equipment has become much more affordable over the long run. For example, the initial cost of roof anchors (fall protection anchors) has dropped significantly, making it more financially feasible for small residential contractors.
Keeping construction sites compliant with OSHA will help you save money in the long run. A responsible building contractor will make sure their employees are protected by the proper insurance against work-related injuries. If fewer construction workers are being injured or killed from falls, this reduces your costs for workers’ compensation.
Eikenhout is a that is dedicated to helping homeowners and contractors find high-quality building products for their next project. If you are interested in our inventory of residential and commercial building supplies, please feel free to call any of our nine Michigan locations.
