The construction industry is massive employing 8 million workers that build $2.1 trillion in structures annually.* However, the reward comes with risk. In 2021 there were 1,015 construction job related deaths with falls being the leading cause.*
As an industry, it is our duty to lower the risk for our 8 million workers and create a safer work environment for Americans to continue to build our country.
The most dangerous careers in construction are those working at height and include roofing and high-rise work.
As reported by OSHA, fall protection in construction is the most frequently cited OSHA violation. Unfortunately, lack of fall protection is not only leading to death but also life-altering injuries to so many of our fellow construction workers.
How To Create A Safer Work Environment for High-Rise and Roofing Construction Workers
Safety is easy to overlook. We get busy. Budgets are tight. Time is money. But, life truly is life. How can we ensure our construction brothers and sisters make it home to their families? How can you, the employer or manager, create a safer work environment?
To continue to get the message out we’ve adapted and summarized OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign:
1. Plan Ahead
Construction high-rise or rooftop safety isn’t as simple as tying off. It’s crucial to think and budget ahead and looking at the entire project from start to finish so safety is in the budget. What are the potential hazards? How many linear feet of leading edge fall protection such as Safety Rail Systems will you need by what date? Are there holes and skylights that also need to be protected?
2. Provide the Proper Fall Protection Equipment
Our #1 priority is to eliminate the hazard. If that is not possible, the next best method is to provide a passive guardrail system. Lastly, making sure each of your construction workers has every form of personal protection that can be provided is essential. What are the specific tasks for the job? How many workers are on the job? What safety equipment will be required? This includes providing easy-to-install and wear safety solutions that fit and work properly ensuring that your team will be safe when working from heights.
3. Train Workers to Use the Equipment Safely
Not every safety system is easy to install. If you are providing complicated systems for your team, you need to make sure you take time to educate everyone on how to install and run safety checks on systems to ensure they are working correctly. They should also be trained on how to identify safety hazards on job sites. You should also conduct regular site inspections to identify and rectify potential hazards. This includes checking for proper installation of safety equipment, the integrity of scaffolding, and the stability of work surfaces. Lastly, be sure to maintain clear lines of communication on the job site. Workers should be able to report safety concerns or incidents immediately, and contractors must address these issues promptly. Visit OSHA’s website for more information and tips.
Learn more about the Hilmerson Safety Rail System™
About Hilmerson Safety
Hilmerson Safety® is a full-service safety product design and manufacturing company serving the construction industry. Since 2001 Hilmerson Safety® has been working with construction industry leaders and contractors to develop safe, lean, construction-grade™ products and solutions that add to the company’s bottom line.
For more information email us or call (952) 239-0125
