The numbers regarding construction deaths each day in the United States is quite staggering. They can be attributed to 4 major causes of accidents, which ultimately puts construction at one of the top most dangerous industries to work in. This creates a strong necessity to place an emphasis on construction safety and the reduction of safety hazards.

In regards to safety in construction, OSHA states “construction is a high hazard industry that comprises a wide range of activities involving construction, alteration, and/or repair. Examples include residential construction, bridge erection, roadway paving, excavations, demolitions, and large scale painting jobs. Construction workers engage in many activities that may expose them to serious hazards, such as falling from rooftops, unguarded machinery, being struck by heavy construction equipment, electrocutions, silica dust, and asbestos.”

It also states that “nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all industries.

Potential hazards for workers in construction include:

• Falls (from heights);
• Trench collapse;
• Scaffold collapse;
• Electric shock and arc flash/arc blast;
• Failure to use proper personal protective equipment; and
• Repetitive motion injuries.”