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Construction - Building our communities: from schools to skyscrapers

A construction project is a multi-faceted operation. It can involve demolition, renovation, or building an entirely new structure from the ground up with any number of tradespeople on site at one time. Whatever the scope, worker safety, budgeting, quality, and material supply chain are crucial. On-the-job accidents and work stoppages take a toll on team morale, expenses, and schedules. To get the job done and stay on schedule, crews can rely on us for tools, PPE, and supply chain optimization solutions.

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Health & Safety Hazards

Extreme Temperatures

Some construction site employees may be exposed to excessive heat and cold, making their jobs more difficult and putting them at risk for illness. High heat and humidity cause dehydration, heat stress, and possibly even heat stroke. Frequent breaks, proper hydration, and air circulation help workers stay well. Cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Wearing warm gloves and clothing reduces risks.

Excavation and Trenching

Workers on construction sites are at risk of injury when excavation equipment is operating on site. They may be clearing land, digging trenches for running pipes and cable, or simply removing debris. It's important to know that trench collapse and cave-ins cause fatalities each year. Benching, sloping, shoring, and shielding practices are common effective systems to prevent accidents.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

When workers lift heavy objects, use pneumatic tools, or bend into awkward positions, they are prone to painful MSDs. These conditions include sprains, strains, and other damage to muscles, ligaments, nerves, and tendons. These injuries, and their accompanying costs, can largely be prevented by applying ergonomic principles.

Struck By/Caught In/Caught Between Incidents

Construction crews work around heavy, powerful objects and machinery, in which they are exposed to accidents. Hard hats, steel toe footwear, and safety eyewear are among the PPE that help prevent injury.

Electrical and other Hazardous Energy

Uncontrolled electrical or hazardous energy can harm workers if machinery isn't operated or maintained correctly. Both operational and lockout/tagout procedures should be followed at all times. Utilizing proper head protection, gloves, and clothing can significantly reduce the likelihood of employee injury should an accident occur.

Falls

Construction workers are very often working many stories off the ground. Falls from height remain a main cause of injuries and fatalities on work sites. Preventing falls with guardrails, fencing, toe boards, and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) save lives every year.

Chemical Exposure

Worksites with hazardous gases, vapors, fumes, and mists must use engineering and administrative controls, identification labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and employee training to limit exposure. Gloves, sleeves, coveralls, respirators, and spray socks are examples of helpful personal protective equipment (PPE).

Noise

Construction sites are often very noisy. Prolonged exposure to both loud noise and sudden bursts of noise heavily impact hearing. OSHA requires employers to address hazards to hearing. Controlling noise exposure and using ear muffs and plugs prevent hearing loss on jobsites.

Sharp Surfaces

Lacerations can come from construction materials, saw blades, and handling rebar. Cut-resistant gloves and sleeves, along with durable clothing like long work pants help prevent exposure to cuts and scrapes.

Regulations


Recognizing and controlling hazards is essential in averting injuries and deaths on construction sites. To prevent these incidents and remain compliant, safety programs should be structured according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. A successful program should encompass the hierarchy of controls, training on operational procedures and risks employees might encounter, as well as proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Read below about some of the regulations put in place by OSHA.

1926.1153

Occupational exposure to respirable silica in construction work, except where exployee exposure will remain below 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time-weightef average (TWA) under any foreseeable conditions.

1926.100

Employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.

1926.104 (c)

Lifelines used on rock-scaling operations or in areas where the lifeline may be subjected to cutting or abrasion, shall be a minimum of 7/8" wire core manilla rope. For all other lifeline applications, a minimum fo 3/4" manilla or equivalent, with a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 lb, shall be used.

1926.96

Safety toe footwear for employees shall meet the requirements and specifications in American National Standard for Men's Safety Toe Footwear Z41.1-1967.

1926.106

Employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided with US Coast Guard-approved life jacket or buoyant work vests.

1926.1101(d)(2)

Asbestos hazards at a multi-employer work site shall be abated by the contractor who created or controls the source of asbestos contamination.

Resources

11 Tips For Working Safely In Demo Projects

Demolition is a growing industry in the US, in which site clearance, structural dismantlement, environmental radiation, salvage, recycling, and industrial recovery employs many people on construction sites.

What You Need to Know when Working in Hot, Humid Weather

For roofers, landscapers, road crews, and other outdoor workers, hot temperatures and high humidity pose health risks. Those performing strenuous tasks, new to working in extreme heat, or wearing non-breathable protective clothing are particularly prone to heat illness.

Scaffolding Safety For Working At Heights

Scaffolding is a common sight on both city streets and construction sites alike. These important temporary structures on the outside of a building allow workers to build, repair, or clean.

Seven Reasons To Protect Your Hearing

Did you know that hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition, following only high blood pressure and arthritis? The National Institute for Health (NIH) reports that 30 million people have hearing loss, and this staggering number is growing.
NSI Solutions to Help You Lower Costs, Minimize Purchases, Maximize Efficiencies, and Increase Compliance

NSI Brands

With NSI Brands, you can trust that every single product will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Our exclusive family of safety and industrial supplies combines great style and impeccable value with quality that’s backed by strict manufacturing processes and third party testing. Try them out today.

NSI Inventory Solutions

Advanced features on northernsafety.com help you manage and streamline your department's spend and ordering processes.

NSI Logo-It Custom Express Printing

In-house, full service customization solutions range from screen printing to embroidery to custom sign special orders.

Technical Services

The Technical Services Department is your source for comprehensive safety solutions. Look to us for equipment rentals, scheduling repairs, and professional maintenance and inspection teams.

Advantage+ Rx Safety Eyewear Program

An easy, cost-effective way to provide safety eyewear for workers who wear prescription glasses.

Shoe Express - Safety Shoe & Boot Program

Supply your team with the proper safety shoes without tedious paperwork or shoemobile logistical hassles.

Direct Connect Employee Voucher Program

Proprietary procurement software with lightens the load of purchasing and distribution of employee PPE and supplies.
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