FACTS

1. Worker overconfidence: If workers enter a work site thinking nothing is going to happen to them, they’re overconfident. Overconfidence leads to the use of improper methods, lack of proper procedures, and tool misuse.
2. Poor housekeeping: Poor housekeeping and equipment disarray lead to not only unsafe working condition but also reduced productivity.
3. Workplace distractions: —divorces, illnesses, romantic relationships—often trigger accidents. They distract workers and have adverse effects. Employees need to eliminate these distractions and focus on the job.
4. Workplace accidents that severely injured workers can drive up your company’s costs and cut its profitability.
5. Ignoring safety procedures: Companies have safety protocols for a reason. Workers that disregard the safety protocols or fail to educate themselves on the right procedures do so at their own risk—and the company’s.
6. Starting jobs while lacking information: Make sure workers have all the information before starting a job. If workers start jobs without all the information, there will be trouble.
7. Failing to prepare for a job: Using tools like Job Safety Analysis pays off. It tells workers the best and most efficient way to do things. If your workers start tasks with hastily made plans or fail to think beforehand, they’re more likely to not only to fail at jobs but also cause accidents.

STATS

Key non-fatal injury statistics in Great Britain’s construction industry in 2017/2018, according to a Health and Safety Executive report.

• 82,000 workers suffered from work-related ill health.
• Workers suffering from muscular-skeletal disorders 62%.
• Workers suffering from depression or anxiety 25%.
• Slips, falls, and trips on same level 24%.
• Injured while handling, lifting, carrying 21%.
• Falls from height 19%.
• Struck by moving, flying, falling object 12%.