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More construction workers die on the job than workers in any other field.
Only 6 percent of Americans work in construction, but nearly 20 percent of American workers who lost their lives in the
workplace last year died on construction sites.
More than 1200 construction workers were killed in 1998 -- a 6 percent increase from 1997.
At the same time, overall workplace fatalities across the U.S. declined 3 percent.
While occupational deaths have been declining in most other industries, deaths on construction sites have been
increasing by 25 percent over the past seven years.
OSHA
has begun an in-depth analysis of construction industry injury and illness and fatality trends by employer size.
Experience shows that smaller employers tend to have significantly higher rates.
Consequently, OSHA is now focusing on both host
employers and subcontractors, insisting that both pay
special attention to safety.
OSHA
declared its intent to make safety and health for construction workers a top priority on every project,
"whether it's roofing a house, painting a bridge or building a major sports
stadium. " , .
The good news that you and I know is that safety pays. Preventing injuries and illnesses doesn't increase costs. It increases profits.
Even average companies can reduce injuries 20 to 40 percent by establishing a safety and health program. For every $1 invested in safety and health programs, contractors can save $4 to $6 in costs of workplace injuries and illnesses. It's an investment that makes sense.
Construction employers have long been required to have a safety and health program and to train employees to work safely.
But the more than 90 percent of contractors that have fewer than 20 workers
are the least likely to have safety and health programs.
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OSHA
Construction Safety Standards
Construction:
General Safety Videos
Construction:
Equipment Safety
Construction:
Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
Construction:
Special Hazards
Construction:
Personal Protective Equipment
Written
Master Safety Plan on CD-ROM
.
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