WHAT’S AT STAKE

We all encounter building projects in our workplace, on the road and in our neighborhoods. You have to be aware of the hazards or risk serious injury.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

A familiar area undergoing changes will suddenly have unfamiliar hazards. Whether the project is installation of new machinery, a weekend home renovation job or a highway building project, construction sites can be lethal.

EXAMPLE

Despite warning signs and chain mesh security fencing around the construction site, two risk-taking teenagers in the neighborhood found a way to climb over the fence at night. One teen fell into an excavation and broke his neck.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

• If you do not have to go into a work zone, stay out. It’s tempting to tour, but dangerous.
• For your own protection, watch for areas flagged or signed as “danger” or “caution” areas. Some of these areas may not be signed or tagged so be extremely cautious. Follow directions of all signs, flagging and flag persons or watch persons.
• Heavy equipment operators have difficulty seeing pedestrians, so stay out of the way.
• If the site is marked “Hardhat Area,” don’t enter without one.
• Be aware of overhead hazards such as tools or materials falling from scaffolds. Watch for overhead hoisting and rigging. These areas may have danger flagging and/or signs.
• Watch for barricading and other markers indicating trenches and excavations. Stay away — excavations can collapse.
• Be alert for potential tripping hazards such as lumber, scrap, electrical cables and compressed air hoses.
• Avoid equipment that might start without warning. Look for signage to this effect.
• Noise from construction tools can be distracting and can prevent you from hearing important sounds such as warning signals. Keep your eyes open for any hazards as well.
• While all holes in flooring should be safely covered to prevent anyone from falling through, they might not be, so watch your step.
• Observe radiation barriers for radiography work on pipes and vessels.
• Unfamiliar chemicals may be in use. Ask questions if you are concerned about possible exposure.
• Projects often take place at night when plant activity or highway traffic is lighter. Extreme caution is called for by both construction workers and passersby.

Teach your children to stay out of construction areas. Kids find trenches, gravel piles and construction machinery irresistible, but these are dangerous sites.

FINAL WORD

Construction safety is for everyone who is around building or demolition projects. Regardless of the type of construction, you should expect the unexpected.