While all employers have the responsibility to provide a safe working environment, some occupations involve greater inherent dangers than others. Construction is one of the most dangerous professions there is. Educating yourself about the hazards frequently present on construction sites may help you to avoid serious injury. Here are a few you are most likely to encounter.
- Forklift Accidents
A forklift is an essential piece of equipment on a construction site, but careless operation could put you at risk for injury. There are approximately 100 fatal forklift injuries per year in the United States. An accident in which the vehicle turns over is one of the most common causes. For this reason, before you can operate a forklift at your worksite, you need to obtain a forklift OSHA license Commerce CA.
- Trench Accidents
During a construction project, it is often necessary to dig a trench. Hundreds of injuries and dozens of fatalities occur every year because of trenches that collapse while workers are down in them. The walls of a trench should be sloped adequately to prevent collapse. In case of an emergency, multiple exits should be readily accessible to workers at all times.
- Ladder Accidents
Many construction tasks require that you ascend a ladder to reach the level where the work is to be performed. Ladders can contribute to construction accidents in several different ways. You may injure yourself by falling off a ladder or come in contact with electrical cables while carrying it from one place to another. Always choose the correct ladder for the task and make sure it is clean and in good repair. Do not load the ladder beyond its capacity as rated by the manufacturer, and do not climb higher than recommended. Carry the ladder correctly to avoid contact with overhead power lines.
There are many more hazards you may encounter on a construction site. Your employer should provide adequate training in mitigating the risk, but you should be proactive in asking questions about anything that confuses you.
