9 safety tips for construction crews

There's no doubt about it: Construction is a risky business. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 13 construction workers die every single day, and almost always, it could've been prevented.

The leading causes of death, illness and injury (known as the "fatal four") are:

• Falling
• Electrocution
• Being struck by an object
• Getting caught in equipment/crushed by a structure

And if these instances could be eliminated, more than 454 workers' lives would be saved, every year.

Luckily, there are safety tips you can implement to stay better protected. Don't know the drill? Let us lay the groundwork:

1. Get into your gear. If you're on the job, you should be in your steel-toe boots, hard hat and high-visibility clothing.
2. Protect your eyes and ears. Make sure your safety glasses are on and your earplugs are in.
3. Secure the scaffolding. Take your scaffolding skills to the next level. It should always be built on a solid surface and be able to support at least four times the anticipated weight. It should also be at least 10 feet away from any power lines.
4. Make obstacles obvious. If there are obstructions underground or overhead, mark them.
5. Climb with caution. When you're climbing a ladder, keep three points on it at all times (like two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand).
6. Take safe steps. Don't step on anything that's loose, unsteady or unsecure.
7. Fight the falls. Consider using guardrails, safety nets or harnesses.
8. Watch the weather. No matter how tight the timeline, working in serious rain, snow or wind could have serious consequences.
9. Have a first-aid kit that's easily accessible. Not only should you have all of the emergency essentials, you should also know where they are.

Should your worksite be even safer? Please call one of our agents to discuss your individual situation.