Everyone knows the construction industry is a deadly industry. It has more fatalities than other industries but less than that of the plague. But when it comes to injuries, it has more injuries than football, rugby league, rugby union, and soccer combined. Disability is also a common part of injuries taking place in construction.
The construction industry also ranks among the most dangerous industries in the world sadly. The environment is unpredictable and hazardous. Thousands of workers are exposed to situations that are deadly and fatal.
We will now be exploring some of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the world of construction. As a consequence, we will also formulate what leadership of construction companies can do to keep everyone safe.
Despite improvements in safety, the construction industry is still a dangerous one
In 2021, the construction industry reported 981 deaths. These were the highest of any industry. On average, a worker out of 10,000 dies each year. Despite that, deaths are still relatively rare but in industries like construction, excavation, and mining, fatalities happen. As a matter of fact, a construction worker is ten times more like to drown instead of die on the site in any given year.
Surrounded by more monumental threats in comparison, a lot of construction workers have become complacent about safety especially when leaders do not give safety a priority. When years pass by without any incident happening at construction sites, workers are then under the illusion that things are fine. They aren’t sensitive to any impending dangers.
Additionally, occupational safety has somehow in general terms seen a lot of improvements recently. In the United States alone, worker fatalities across a wide array of industries were reduced by almost two-thirds between 1970 and 2020.
Technological advancements, more access to safety equipment along more concentrated enforcement by regulatory agencies, authorities, and bodies have been able to contribute towards these improvements.
Interestingly, quantum experts and construction executives are adopting more pre-emptive safety measures. However, the approach of many is still preventive instead of reactive. Thanks to a wide array of training resources and predictive software, construction sites have been becoming safer thankfully.
Common causes of fatalities in construction
There are varieties when it comes to hazards in the construction industry. Then again, 65% of deaths in construction come from the following:
- Falling down from structures (Falls).
- Getting caught between equipment and other things (accidents).
- Getting struck by equipment.
- Electrocutions.
There are ways to prevent fatal accidents. Construction companies need to understand in detail what the causes are and they must actively work to reduce the unique risks presented by these accidents.
Falling down from structures (Falls)
Construction sites have numerous opportunities for employees to fall down from many places. Uneven surfaces, openings in floors, openings in walls, loopholes in tall building sites, and the like, are among the many causes.
A small error can result in a fall which can be tragic. In 2021, the industry saw a rise of almost 6% in fatal falls, slips, and trips in comparison to 2020. They rose from 83 to 91 in a year.
Is mentioning such statistics important? Experts believe so. These statistics show the importance of fall protection methods and systems, safety training of employees, and usage of personal protective equipment (helmets, harnesses, safety nets). OSHA has certain guidelines in preventing falls, which hence outline the responsibility of companies to protect their workers from such hazards.
Getting struck by equipment-related accidents
This is also another deadly hazard plaguing the construction industry. These accidents happen when equipment, falling objects, or even vehicles strike workers at any time. Such kind of accidents in 2020 led to 14,000 non-fatal injuries and 150 fatalities in the construction industry alone.
Vehicular accidents usually happen at the entry and exit points of most construction sites. This emphasizes the requirement for improving the management of construction sites, being vigilant in monitoring and checking, and implementing strong safety measures and protocols.
According to experts of expert witness dubai, all workers on construction sites should be trained in non-verbal communication with vehicle and equipment operators, especially eye contact and standard hand signals. OSHA thankfully provides each company with detailed and handy resources on reducing vehicular and other struck-by accidents.
Getting caught between equipment and other things (accidents)
Getting caught in between equipment and other related accidents happens when workers are either trapped or crushed in or between equipment, objects, and other things. Some of these situations include getting crushed between stationary and moving objects, getting buried when trenches collapse, and the like.
In 2019, the construction industry saw almost 60 casualties because of these accidents.
It is wise to understand these risks. Implementing adequate preventive measures like equipment guards and regular inspections of sites can help reduce these incidents. Jobsite awareness and proper vigilance is also compulsory measure.