The construction industry is home to some of the most dangerous jobs; yet, roughly, 7 million Americans go to work at a construction site every day. Workers face numerous hazards and, sometimes, unsafe worksites that can lead to serious injuries. In fact, in 2019, construction site accidents accounted for 20% of worker fatalities or one in five worker deaths.
The arrival of warmer weather means construction work zones will be popping up on our highways and roadways. Work zones help maintain, repair and upgrade them. However, they entail dangers and hazards for those driving through them such as changes in traffic patterns, narrowed rights-of-way, navigating around barrels, heavy equipment and trucks, flaggers and more. Work zone safety is paramount for those doing the building, repairing and maintenance because there are just as many hazards and dangers to be aware of that can lead to personal injuries.
Falls happen for a variety of reasons in the workplace. Slippery work surfaces, unstable work platforms, unprotected holes, falls from ladders. In fact, falling from a ladder is one of the most common types of work accidents, especially in the construction industry (where falls happen to be a leading cause of death).
Construction sites are dangerous places. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) even ranks the construction site as one of the most dangerous workspaces, as workers are at risk for injuries from defective equipment and human error.
Construction job sites are dangerous places to work. In 2019, 20% of worker fatalities were in construction. Many of the accidents on a construction job site are due to negligence, unsafe worksite practices, improper use of tools and equipment, and lack of protective safeguards. Leading causes include the ‘fatal four’: falls, struck by object, electrocution and caught-in/between.
We want safe roads to travel on. That means when it is time to fix or upgrade our roadways, work zones are set up which can change traffic patterns, narrow lanes of traffic, close highway exits, set up detours and other construction activities.
Road construction is a necessary evil to maintain our roadways and keep them safe. However, it can also be very frustrating when you come up on construction work zones you didn’t expect as you’re driving to your destination, especially if there are detours you have to contend with.
