Fatal Injuries Up 11 Percent Across the Construction Industry
According to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal work injuries in the construction and extraction industry increased 11 percent, from 12.3 deaths per 100,000 full-time employees in 2021 to 13 in 2022.
The Bureau’s Dec. 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries report also reveals the construction industry suffered the second highest number of fatalities in 2022 compared to other industries.
Working in our industry will always be more dangerous than working in finance, for example, but fostering a culture of safety can go a long way toward preventing on-the-job injuries. At Bay Area SMACNA, we’re here to help! Visit BayAreaSMACNA.org/Safety to view a broad selection of safety-related resources, including more than 300 interactive safety courses. We also offer CPR and first aid training courses for member firms, and will notify members of CAL SMACA safety training seminars later this year.
On a local level, CAL SMACNA safety awards will be presented on April 6 at the 58th Annual Convention, this year set in La Jolla, Calif., at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, during the President’s Awards Luncheon. Nationally, SMACNA recognizes members every year with the lowest injury and illness rates through the Safety Awards Program. To participate in these programs, fill out the Safety Excellence Awards Program Survey on SMACNA.org before the deadline in May.
Common Sense Safety Checklist
- Always wear your PPE. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles. Wear gloves when you’re handling chemicals, or anything with sharp edges. Wear slip-resistant footwear when working in slippery conditions. Wear hard hats when necessary. Be conscious, be cautious.
- Examine old equipment thoroughly before working on it.
- Use the right tools for every job, and make sure your tools are in good working order.
- Be careful where you place your tools when you’re working on something to prevent someone from tripping over them and put them away when you’re done.
- Take short breaks when necessary to prevent fatigue-related accidents. In California, workers are entitled to a paid 10-minute break for every four hours worked, and additional breaks when working outdoors to prevent heat-related illness.