Statistics show that in numerous cases- accidents could and should have been prevented by either the victim or a co – worker. On job sites- the top four OSHA hazards for 2023 were
- Falls
- Caught-in or Between
- Struck by
- Electrocution
Slips, trips, and falls cause nearly 700 fatalities per year and many more accidents resulting in injury according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One of the best ways to prevent Slips/Trips/Falls is to avoid unsafe conditions and be aware of your surroundings.
Here are Seven steps (Featured in one of our Tool Box Talks this month) that you can take steps to prevent accidents.
- Make accident prevention a part of your daily routine: Plan Safety in ADVANCE. Before beginning a job be sure your tools are in good condition. Also- see that you have the required protective equipment
- Report unsafe acts or conditions to your supervisor: If you see something that’s dangerous or someone working in an unsafe way, DO something about it. If it’s an unsafe condition, correct it if you can. Otherwise, report it to someone who has the authority or ability to do so. If you see someone committing an unsafe act, warn that person in a friendly way.
- Avoid Horseplay: Aren’t you always telling your kids to knock off fooling around before someone gets hurt? Well horseplay is dangerous for kids of any age. On a construction job you can easily be injured if you’re not strictly business all of the time. Often a person is killed or hurt when a “harmless” prank or a practical joke backfires
- Follow instructions: You’d follow instructions if you were dismantling a time-bomb- and very carefully at that. Well, take the same attitude on the job. When we give you instructions, it’s only after we’ve considered the safest and best way to do it. Sometimes doing something just a little different from what you were told can get you or someone else in a lot of trouble
- Make suggestions: If you see a quicker or better way to do something, let us know. We’ll check it out and if it’s practical, we’ll use it. But first we’ll make sure it’s safe. And if you see a safer way of doing something, bring it to our attention, by all means
- Practice good housekeeping: Nobody likes a slob. It’s upsetting to see someone with a messy work area. And it goes further than that- a sloppy work area is not only hard on the eyes, but a breeding ground for accidents. Trash and materials strewn around can result in trips, falls and fires.
- Dress for the job: In addition to wearing protective equipment, dress so that you wont get hurt. Don’t wear floppy clothing (such as loose sleeves and cuffs) or jewelry that can catch on something or become entangled in machinery.
