Construction is booming throughout Alabama, and with so many projects going on, there is no shortage of work opportunities in the industry. However, workers and those considering the profession should become aware of the hazards that exist on construction sites.
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous to work in and rightfully so. Across every kind of construction project, from roadways to highrises, these common dangers exist.
Electrocution
OSHA has compiled a list of the most common hazards that befall construction workers, and one of those is electrocution. The risk of encountering a live wire on a worksite is fairly high, between those needed to power tools and machinery to those workers lay down for the building itself. The presence of water on construction sites also increases the potential for electrocutions to occur.
Falls
Workers who need to use a ladder or scaffolding to reach the heights necessary to complete elements of a project do so at great risk to themselves. Falls are the top cause of construction accidents and can result in some of the most severe and critical injuries. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage are two possible outcomes of a fall on a construction site.
Crush
Many sites require workers to dig trenches to lay foundations, footings, plumbing and wires. If the trenches do not get the proper reinforcement, workers can become crushed by a collapse. Another possible cause of crush injuries is a worker getting caught between machinery and another surface, such as a wall.
Construction sites may continue to prove hazardous to workers. Paying attention to their surroundings and following safety protocols may help mitigate dangerous situations.
