The construction industry is known for being hazardous. When construction workers are required to work on sites near a roadway, those hazards are amplified. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), around 20,000 construction workers suffer injuries each year while working on roadside construction sites. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that around 100 construction workers die each year in accidents.
Roadside construction work does have some inherent dangers, but there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of an accident or injury. Some safety tips include:
- Wear high visibility clothing with reflectors or fluorescent colors
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Make sure that safety barriers are properly installed
- Mark utility lines before doing any construction work
- Beware of vehicles and equipment that moves around the job site
- Make sure that your entire team understand hand gestures for signaling
- Never operate vehicles without wearing a seat belt
- Never ride on moving equipment outside of seats
- Use parking brakes on machinery and vehicles
- Do not stand underneath equipment that is suspended or turned off
- Never assume that equipment operators see you
Construction worksites are dangerous, but by following safety guidelines and using good judgment, you can minimize the risk of being injured or killed in a work-related accident.
If you have been injured in an accident, contact The Law Offices of Dennis R. Fusi & Associates.
