Struck-by-injuries
Scott Asprey, RIBA safety educator
It’s “National Stand-Down Struck-by Month.”
“Struck-by-injuries” on construction sites are the number one leading cause of injuries and the second leading cause of death and injury among workers. Falling objects, moving vehicles, equipment, all pose risk. According to reports, however, 51% of the accidents are from falling objects or equipment (CDC).
Training employees to work safely helps mitigate injury. For example, you can prevent tools from falling to lower levels or off ladders by reminding teams not to leave tools on ladders. Crews also should wear proper safety gear or high visibility clothing, be trained on proper use, and use barriers or caution tape to prevent potential overhead hazards.
The safety of workers is everyone’s responsibility, so it’s important that your crews are trained and understand the risk involved with the job. Be sure to take the time to do it right and safely, accidents cost time and money.
#ThirdThursdayTip
*This tip column appears the third Thursday of each month. We hope it offers some specific tips to help you and your employees stay safe.
