Safe Work Practices

According to OSHA, there are approximately 6.5 million people working in construction at around 252,000 construction sites in the United States on any given day. And, the fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average compared to all other industries.* Therefore, it is important to ensure a safe worksite to help prevent injuries.

Many best practices for worksite safety have been identified to address the most common construction hazards. To minimize slips, trips, and falls, follow these guidelines:

• Design the worksite and work processes to prevent potential exposures to slip and trip hazards. This can include providing proper engineering controls, such as the following:
  • Purchase and maintain safe equipment and tools
  • Use adequate ventilation to avoid smoke, steam, and condensation of water and grease onto the floor.
  • Provide adequate lighting to keep work areas, aisles, and paths of travel well lit.
  • Provide effective drainage, false floors, or work platforms.
  • Install slip-resistant floors in high risk areas.

Here are some additional best practices to minimize slips, trips, and falls:

• Implement proper administrative controls, such as the following:
  • Mark step edges and transition areas (changes in elevations).
  • Place enclosures around hazardous areas.
  • Maintain good housekeeping, including clear, tidy worksites free of clutter.
• Physically contain work processes to prevent discharge, splatter, or spillage of liquids, oils, particles, dusts, and offal onto the floor. If a spill does occur, it should be cleaned up immediately. If it cannot be cleaned up immediately, it should be marked with proper signage.
• Follow safe walking practices and routes. These practices include walking at a moderate pace, keeping aware of your surroundings, not carrying too much, and walking in areas with clear visibility.
• Wear proper footwear with good traction. These shoes should have nonskid soles and flat heels.
• Learn to fall "properly." This includes keeping your head up, rounding your back, not locking your joints, and extending your arms.
• Use three-points-of-contact when climbing ladders or scaffolding. This means that three out of four arms or legs are in contact with the rungs or rails at all times.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.