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C O N S T R U C T I O N S A F E T Y
Anatomy of Safety in Construction
Anatomy of Safety in Construction
Th e critical importance of safety in construction and how PPE’s role in protecting workers.
Th e critical importance of safety in construction and how PPE’s role in protecting workers.
BY SUSAN SILVER
BY SUSAN SILVER
economy, responsible for building the infrastructure that
The construction industry is a vital part of the global
shapes our everyday lives. In the United States alone, over
7.5 million people are employed in construction-related
jobs. Th is signifi cant workforce undertakes tasks that range from
residential building to massive infrastructure projects. However,
construction also presents numerous hazards, making safety a par-
amount concern. Th is article delves into the anatomy of safety in
construction, emphasizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),
as well as revealing the biggest occupational dangers and the im-
portance of safeguarding workers.
Construction Safety’s Scale
So how many people work in the U.S. construction industry? Ac-
cording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. construction in-
dustry employs over 7.5 million individuals engaged in residential,
commercial, public and industrial construction. Th e sheer number of
workers highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive
safety measures to protect them from the many hazards they face.
The Biggest Dangers in Construction
Construction sites can be inherently dangerous environments,
with a myriad of potential hazards that can lead to serious injuries
or fatalities. Some of the biggest dangers in construction include:
■ Falls: Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construc-
tion industry. Workers oft en perform tasks at signifi cant heights,
making fall protection measures crucial.
■ Struck-By Incidents: Th ese occur when workers are hit by
moving vehicles, falling objects, or equipment. Proper training and
the use of PPE can mitigate these risks.
■ Electrocution: Contact with live electrical wires and equip-
ment can result in severe injuries or death. Ensuring proper insula-
tion and adherence to safety protocols is essential.
■ Caught-In/Between Incidents: Th ese involve workers being
caught in or compressed by equipment or objects. Awareness and
the use of protective devices are vital in preventing such accidents.
Statistics on Injuries in Construction
Th e construction industry has one of the highest rates of work-
place injuries and fatalities. According to the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2023, approximately 1 in
5 worker deaths occurred in construction. Furthermore, non-fatal
injury rates are also alarmingly high, with common injuries in-
cluding sprains, strains, fractures, and lacerations.
In 2023, there were 1,034 fatal injuries in the U.S. construction
industry:
■ Falls accounted for 370 of these fatalities.
■ Struck-by incidents resulted in 120 deaths.
■ Electrocutions caused 85 fatalities.
■ Caught-in/between incidents led to 55 deaths.
Th ese statistics underscore the critical need for stringent safety
measures to help protect construction workers from harm.
The Role of Personal Protective Equipment
PPE is not just about individual pieces of equipment; it’s about fos-
tering a culture of safety where every worker understands the im-
portance of using these protections consistently and correctly. Train-
ing and education are paramount in ensuring that workers not only
wear PPE but also understand how to use it eff ectively. Th e proper
use of PPE can signifi cantly reduce the risk of injury and death, pro-
viding a last line of defense when other safety measures fail. Here’s
how each category of PPE contributes to worker safety:
■ Head Protection: Hard hats are designed to absorb im-
pact and protect the skull from injuries caused by falling objects
or overhead hazards. Th ey can also off er electrical insulation for
those working near live wires. It’s vital to select the proper class
of helmet for the tasks at hand. Vented (Class C) helmets provide
vents as a cooling feature, but non-vented (Class-E) off er addition-
al insulative protection. Type II helmets off ers added protection
for side-impact when you are in especially dangerous zones on the
job site. New material advancements in helmets are also helping to
reduce trauma. For example, the use of non-Newtonian foam or
specialty fabrics aid in impact absorption.
■ Hand Protection: Gloves protect hands from sharp objects,
chemicals, and rough materials. Th ey are essential for tasks such as
handling tools, lift ing materials, and working with hazardous sub-
stances. Innovations like QR codes printed on the cuff of a glove
help limit chemical exposure and that workers use the right glove.
■ Hearing Protection: Prolonged exposure to loud construc-
tion noises can lead to permanent hearing loss. Earplugs and ear-
muff s help reduce noise levels, protecting workers’ hearing. Dispens-
ers are a great visual reminder to gear up on your hearing protection
before leaving the job trailer. If you’re having a hard time fi tting an
employee with the right earplug, try fi t testing, or consider an ear-
muff , which may off er multi-position or helmet attached options.
■ Fall Protection: Safety harnesses and lanyards are crucial for
workers operating at heights. Th ese devices secure the worker and
help prevent devastating falls, which are a leading cause of fatalities
in the industry. You should also consider things like fall clearance
when choosing between SRLs or PFLs and shock-absorbing lan-
yards. Check out some helpful tips in the ABC and Rs of Fall Safety.
■ Footwear: A reliable pair of boots makes a huge diff erence
in productivity. Safety boots with steel toes and slip-resistant soles
protect feet from crushing injuries, punctures, and chemical spills.
Th ey also provide stability and reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Th e construction industry’s dynamic, hazardous environment
necessitates a strong focus on safety to protect workers. By under-
standing construction’s biggest risks, implementing comprehen-
sive safety measures, and ensuring the proper use of PPE, we can
signifi cantly help reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities.
Susan Silver is a Senior Copywriter with more than four years of experi-
ence in industrial safety. A journalist at heart, she is happiest when she can
dig deep and produce meaningful content.
www.ohsonline.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 | Occupational Health & Safety 11