It is no secret that working in construction involves a high risk to workers. For years, studies have found the construction industry to be one of the most dangerous across the board.
And anyone who works in the construction industry knows that falls are one of the Fatal Four hazards workers face on the job. Preventing falls is often a priority on worksites, and yet the risk persists.
Lack of safety is the top violation
Unfortunately, issues with fall protection on construction sites are still the most commonly cited violation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The top 10 violations OSHA cited in 2019 included:
- Lack of fall protection systems
- Issues in scaffolding
- Failure to meet fall protection training requirements
With these violations so rampant across the industry, workers must be aware of the required safeguards.
What protections should be on the worksite?
Experienced construction workers know what safety measures to expect on a worksite. However, it is always critical for all workers to understand what precautions are necessary to keep them safe. Even though it is an employer’s responsibility to provide these measures, workers should be aware of them.
The protection systems that should be in place on the construction site can vary depending on the type of project. However, OSHA states that a few critical things a safe site should have include:
- Properly installed guardrail systems
- Personal fall arrest systems
- Safety net systems
OSHA requires employers to ensure the project site is safe and implement the necessary equipment to prevent falls. Additionally, all of these safety precautions should be subject to weekly inspection to ensure they are in working order.
Washington construction workers can take safety into their own hands as well. It is critical to always stay focused and put safety first on the job. Workers should also never overlook the importance of wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), so they can reduce the risks they face each day.