A New York construction site is a dangerous place to make a living, and your chance of suffering an injury or fatality while making your living on a construction site is much higher than that seen by workers in many other industries. Most construction site deaths, and many construction site injuries, result from similar circumstances. Understanding where your biggest threats are on a construction site shows you where you may need to take extra steps to ensure safety.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of all construction site deaths, and many construction site injuries, result from the following four hazards.
1. Falls
Falls from high elevations have become the leading cause of death on U.S. construction sites. Construction site falls are so common that they lead to about 40% of all construction site fatalities.
2. Struck-by events
You also run the risk of having large, heavy items hit or strike you on a construction site. Many such deaths and injuries occur due to scaffold collapses or items falling from scaffolds.
3. Caught-in-between events
You are also at risk of suffering an injury or fatality after finding yourself caught between certain areas, machines or equipment.
4. Electrocution
Electrocution is another common cause of injury and death in the construction industry. About 60% of all construction worker electrocutions involve a worker’s direct contact with electricity.
Many construction site injuries and fatalities are preventable. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration outlines safe work practices and protocols intended to help keep you and your colleagues safe while working on construction sites.