Did you know that 6 construction workers die every day in the US, from largely preventable accidents? However, there are many safety precautions that can be taken, let's look at a few of the most important hazards and precautions for them:
Air Purifying Respirators
These can be worn to prevent inhaling toxic fumes and particles from painting, sandblasting, road construction and more. Using a filter or blower method to keep breathable air around the head, they do not provide oxygen. Use of these can help keep workers lungs clear and healthy.
Asbestos
About 10,000 people die each year due to asbestos related diseases. While most uses of Asbestos have been banned, Asbestos is still used in some roofing panels and packing gaskets. If you will be working with Asbestos, great care should be taken. Use a respirator, but also use a HEPA vacuum to remove additional particles from the air. Make sure to wear throw away clothing, which you can remove and throw away after your exposure to Asbestos. If you'll be removing Asbestos, many states recommend or require that you leave it to a professional or have a professional on hand to make sure you are removing it correctly and safely. With such a dangerous material, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Back Injuries
Back injuries account for about 25% of all construction site injuries. If you do any type of lifting, pulling, lowering, carrying etc, you are at risk for a back injury. However, you can protect yourself by using carts, forklifts, dollies and hoists whenever possible. Also, if materials weigh more than 50 pounds, get another worker to help you. When lifting, keep the materials close to your body and try not to twist yourself. When you pick something up from the ground, try to support yourself by leaning on something and don't bend over, instead make sure to kneel, on a pad if possible.
Electrical Safety
Every year, about 140 people are killed on construction sites due to electrocutions. Before working, make sure to contact your local electric company to make sure they will turn off or insulate any overhead or underground power lines near your site. Make sure to lock out or tag out any machinery or equipment you will be working on. Also, make sure only qualified persons will be working on the electric and most importantly, that the current is turned off. Stay clear by at least three feet from all live electrical equipment. Keep metal or conductive objects away from any electrical equipment or circuits. Only qualified persons should replace items like fuses and circuit breakers.
Fall Protection
Thousands of construction workers fall each year, more than 300 of them die. Whenever guard rails or nets aren't available, you can use personal protective equipment including personal fall-arrest systems, fall restraint systems and work positioning systems. With each of these systems, you'll need a full body harness. Always make sure the harness is strong and safe, it should be inspected regularly.
Heavy Equipment Safety
Over 100 people are killed each year by heavy equipment. Only trained and experienced workers should operate heavy equipment, and operating, safety and shutdown procedures should be reviewed and followed every time heavy equipment is used. Always check and inspect equipment and controls before using.
Lydia Quinn writes for Brandon Safety Lights, a leading provider of barricade lights, barricade light accessories and traffic safety supplies. Visit us at: http://www.brandonsafetylights.com/
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