California construction sites present their share of hazards, and as such, it is important for construction managers to find ways to prevent accidents or to stop previous accidents from reoccurring. According to an article run on the Industrial Safety & Hygiene News website, construction accidents generally result from two general causes, namely unsafe acts or unsafe conditions. Understanding these two sources of workplace injury can assist in reducing the risk of accidents on the jobsite.
Committing an unsafe act is entirely up to the worker. Unsafe acts are when a worker fails to perform a duty with diligence, professionalism and caution. For example, when it comes time to lift heavy objects, a worker should lift with the legs while keeping the back straight to prevent back injury. A worker can also act with due diligence by using equipment that is in working order and not defective. Conversely, trying to work with a machine with a frayed electrical cord can invite the risk of electric shock. With the proper training, a worker can understand how to perform tasks in a safe and professional manner.
Other unsafe acts on a construction jobsite can include:
- Not wearing a hard hat in hazardous areas
- Smoking a cigarette near a flammable substance
- Working too closely to a power line
- Not regarding warning signs
- Improperly handling hazardous materials
The next prominent factor in causing a workplace accident arises from unsafe conditions. Construction sites can breed a number of perilous situations that can create an accident if they are not accounted for. Grounding requirements may be ignored, causing an electrical accident. Bad ventilation can cause buildup of toxic gases. Not enough fire extinguishers can delay or eliminate the means of putting out a fire before it grows out of the workers’ control. If a workplace is not lit well, it may cause problems for workers to adequately see and result in someone tripping and falling.
In short, making sure California construction workers understand how to perform their duties and maintaining safe working conditions on the job can prevent a lot of workplace accidents from occuring.
This article is intended to educate readers on causes of workplace accidents and is not to be taken as legal advice.
