Construction Safety Week: How To Reduce The Risks Of Construction Accident Injuries In Washington State
On-the-job injuries can happen in any occupation, but construction workers are among those most at risk. Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, and the types of tasks workers perform during their average workday increase the likelihood of suffering harm.
Construction Safety Week is an annual event held each May. It raises awareness of common hazards in the construction industry. Our s explain more about the risks and steps construction workers can take to protect themselves.
Construction Workers At Risk For Life-Threatening Injuries
Construction is one of the physically toughest and most dangerous occupations. Workers need large amounts of strength and skill to perform the various types of tasks required of their jobs, and they routinely put their health and safety on the line in the course of every workday.
Construction workers have the highest rates of on-the-job accidents compared to any other industry. Unfortunately, these accidents also have a high potential to be life-threatening. According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, close to 25 construction workers are killed on the job each year, while hundreds of others suffer serious injuries. Among the most common causes include:
- Falling from ladders, roofs, or scaffolding;
- Motor vehicle accidents involving trucks, cars, and construction equipment;
- Being struck by falling objects and debris;
- Being caught in or between tools and machinery; and
- Electrocutions.
Poisoning and breathing in potentially hazardous substances
Construction Safety Week Raises Awareness of the Risks
Construction Safety Week is held annually in the second week of May. It was started as a joint effort of the Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) and the Incident and Injury Free (IIF) CEO Forum to raise awareness and find solutions to serious safety hazards facing the construction industry.
Throughout the week, leaders from over 70 national and global construction firms will share best practices and collaborate to improve the industry’s safety culture. Steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce the risks include:
- Pay close attention when working on construction sites and avoid distractions, such as listening to music or scrolling on your phone;
- Be aware of the potential hazards when performing specific tasks;
- Be alert for potential safety risks near where you are working;
- Wear a hard hat, goggles, ear plugs, or other required safety gear;
- Do a safety check of all equipment before starting a job; and
- Make sure safety rules and regulations are posted where all workers can see them, along with instructions for reporting work-related injuries.
In the event a construction accident happens, notify your employer immediately. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, follow all doctor instructions, and contact our Issaquah construction accident attorney for trusted legal guidance in filing a claim.
Request A Free Consultation With One Of Our Issaquah Construction Accident Attorneys Today
Construction accidents in Washington State can cause serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. At Injury Law Group NW, we help you get compensation. To request a free consultation with one of our Issaquah construction accident attorneys, call or contact us online today.
Sources:
lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-research/files/2023/76_36_2023_WAConstructionFatalities2018_2022.pdf
constructionsafetyweek.com/
