Workers in the construction industry are constantly exposed to various workplace dangers, including heavy machinery accidents, falls from heights, dropped objects and respiratory hazards to name only a few. In fact, many construction workers end up suffering some type of serious work injury that necessitates extensive time away from work and the payment of workers' compensation benefits. Sadly, still others suffer fatal injuries that are otherwise preventable.

In recognition of these latent and obvious dangers to construction workers, the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released a series of short educational films designed to illustrate construction safety.

The animated films - between two to four minutes in length, and available in both English and Spanish - feature depictions of real-life construction accidents and show how proper safety measures would have prevented any injuries/fatalities from occurring.

Topics covered by the OSHA films - available for free viewing or download on the internet - include sprains and strains, trenching/excavation dangers, carbon monoxide poisoning, falls from heights, and vehicles/heavy equipment.

"I urge anyone who works in the construction industry or operates a construction business to watch the videos," said Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary for OSHA. "Share them with your coworkers and friends in the construction industry; organize screenings for your workers; and post them to your Web pages."

While many may be quick to dismiss the films, consider a recent study by the CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training that made the following startling revelations:

  • The average worker who spends 45 years in the construction industry faces a 75 percent chance of suffering some type of disabling injury at some point during their career and a 1 in 200 chance of suffering a fatal work injury
  • The average worker who enters the construction industry at the age of 20 has a 15 percent chance of developing a chronic pulmonary disease

Accordingly, the OSHA films are extremely valuable and have the potential to save lives.

"Every step we take to educate workers about their rights and the safety measures employers must take to protect workers in construction helps us avoid preventable injuries and the tragic loss of life," said Michaels.

Stay tuned for further updates from our San Diego workers' compensation benefits firm ...

This post was for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Sources:

EHS Today, "OSHA releases new construction safety videos" Nov. 22, 2011

EHS Today, "Career construction workers face increased injury, fatality odds" Nov. 7, 2011