injured construction workers: did you know?

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Occupational Safety Series ! INJURED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: Did you know? There are over 252,000 active construction sites throughout the U.S. every day. Falls cause most deaths in construction. Scaffolding and ladders should be placed on flat, unobstructed ground. When possible, use the “buddy system” and have someone on the ground holding the ladder steady, especially when climbing and descending. Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are some of most common job site injuries, even when hard hats and protective head gear are worn. Daily inspections of hard hats are needed to check for any defects, and they should always be replaced if any impact is sustained – regardless of if there is visible damage. Before any work begins, ensure that all power is turned off and an effective lockout system is used to shut down equipment. Extreme heat and cold can lead to heat stress or hypothermia. Those who work outside in extreme temperatures should take necessary breaks, drink plenty of fluids and dress appropriately for the weather. Construction involves many repetitive movements that can leave workers with permanent injuries or aggravate existing conditions such as carpal tunnel, tendonitis, bursitis, disc and joint injuries. These injuries can be eligible for workers’ compensation. Around a job site there may be exposed wires, overheated electrical equipment that can cause electrical fires. All electrical tools and equipment should be checked frequently for defects, and any damaged or frayed electrical cords or cables should be replaced.

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Page 1: Injured Construction Workers: Did You Know?

Factory workers are forbiddento lift more than 35 lbs. and are

93% male

...whereas nurses, 90% women, are expected to

regularly lift people.

Occupational Safety Series !

INJURED CONSTRUCTION

WORKERS: Did you know?

There are over

252,000 active construction sites throughout the U.S. every day.

Falls cause most deaths in construction. Scaffolding and ladders should be placed on flat, unobstructed ground. When possible, use the “buddy system” and have someone on the ground holding the ladder steady, especially when climbing and descending.

Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are some of most common job site injuries, even when hard hats and protective head gear are worn. Daily inspections of hard hats are needed to check for any defects, and they should always be replaced if any impact is sustained – regardless of if there is visible damage.

Before any work begins, ensure that all power is turned off and an effective lockout system is used to shut down equipment.

Extreme heat and cold can lead to heat stress or hypothermia. Those who work outside in extreme temperatures should take necessary breaks, drink plenty of fluids and dress appropriately for the weather.

Construction involves many repetitive movements that can leave workers with permanent injuries or aggravate existing conditions such as carpal tunnel, tendonitis, bursitis, disc and joint injuries. These injuries can be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Around a job site there may be exposed wires, overheated electrical equipment that can cause electrical fires. All electrical tools and equipment should be checked frequently for defects, and any damaged or frayed electrical cords or cables should be replaced.