Construction Safety in U.S.A.:

Construction is the most dangerous land-based work sector in U.S.A., after the fishing industry..Nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all industries.

Major Potential hazards for workers in construction include:

• Falls (from heights);
• Trench collapse;
• Scaffold collapse;
• Electric shock and arc flash/arc blast;
• Failure to use proper personal protective equipment; and
• Repetitive motion injuries.

Accident Statistics

• The most common accident is a fall.
• Workers between age 25 and 34 were most likely to be injured
• Workers injure their back more than any other part of their body
• Most cases cause workers to miss at least 31 days of work
• 1 out of 10 construction workers will be injured this year

The problem is not that the hazards and risks are unknown, it is that they are very difficult to control in a constantly changing work environment.

The Obvious Hazards

The obvious hazards are the ones that can be discerned with the naked eye. They look dangerous. This group includes:

1.  Unguarded openings such as:

• Skylights
• Holes created for utilities such as H-VAC
• Elevator shafts and stairwells.

2.  Work performed over leading edges, such as at the edge of a floor level, roof, stairs, window openings or working over water, etc., without proper fall protection.

3.  Unguarded gangways, walkways, scaffolding, etc.

4.  Incorrectly shored excavations and trenches.

5.  Unsecured or damaged ladders.

6.  Poor housekeeping.

7.  The leading safety hazards on site are falls from height, motor vehicle crashes, excavation accidents, electrocution, machines, and being struck by falling objects. Some of the main health hazards on site are asbestos, solvents, noise, and manual handling activities.

Construction Site Rules and Regulations

There are rules and regulations that provide for the safety of the worker. All rules and regulations should be followed to the letter.

There are too many too list in full, but some examples are:

• A fire escape plan must be in place. This will be approved by the fire department. The site must be accessible to fire department equipment including trucks and hoses.
• Workers should dress properly. The basic attire is a basic shirt and long pants. Safety equipment includes hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, safety gloves and work boots.
• Long hair should be tied back, and jewellery should never be worn.
• Electric tools should be unplugged when not in use, or if they need parts changed like a blade or bits. Blade guards should be set and tools must be carried properly to avoid injury to yourself and others.
• Lifting should be done properly. Avoid lifting with your back and instead use your legs. Never carry something too heavy alone, even if you're capable. Have a coworker help you.

There are many laws in place the employer must follow in order give its workers a safe working environment. 

Governing Law:

In the United States the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces standards concerning workplace safety and health.

The Need:

As per the increasing rate of Construction Accidents in U.S.A. proper care for the workers should be done as well as standards set by OSHA should be followed.

Following are some points of safety that can be undertaken as per OSHA:

A. Using a qualified safety person.
This person must be knowledgeable of potential job hazards. He must assure compliance with OSHA health and safety plan in construction requirements. Must make regular safety inspections and establish safety procedures. Also, correlating regular safety training with lead persons and maintaining safety records

B. Making regular job site safety inspections.
Regular safety inspections in the construction site would mean a lot to the assurance of every worker about their health and safety. Thus, it builds more confidence to every worker to be more vigilant and careful in doing their job. They will all be aware of how their health and safety have been in concerned.

C. Enforcing the use of safety equipment.
Personal safety equipment must be worn as prescribed for each job, such as: safety glasses for eye protection, hard hats at all times within the confines of the construction area where there is a potential for    falling materials or tools, gloves when handling materials, and safety shoes are necessary for protection against foot injuries.

D. Enforcing safety rules and using appropriate discipline.
In every workplace, everyone must strictly act in accordance with the procedures and safety rules governing the site. To ensure safety, everyone must be disciplined to follow set of laws. All of those safety rules must be obeyed. Thus, failure in doing so will result to equivalent disciplinary action.

E. Providing on-going safety training.
Trainings are very valuable in every workplace. Each worker must know where, what, when and how they will do the job. Thus, training for your safety in the site will be prompted for every worker to be educated on how to give value with their health and safety. Records will be maintained for all training sessions with descriptions of topics covered and names of workers trained.

F. Keep the records of health and safety files. – OSHA health and safety facts.
Keep records of work-related accidents, injuries, illnesses—and their causes—and post annual summaries for the required period of time.

Blog By: Pankti Mehta.

References:

http://www.myconstructionsafetyplan.com/blog/construction/construction-health-and-safety-plan/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction_site_safety

http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/10/4/244.full

http://www.safetyxchange.org/training-and-leadership/my-10-pet-peeves#

http://www.buildingsguide.com/blog/construction-site-safety-guide