Construction Safety
BY GRAPHIC PRODUCTS EDITORIAL STAFF
Work dynamics in the construction industry are shifting more than ever due to increasing temporary and contract employment, the growth of technology, and beyond. Get a break down of current trends and statistics of the construction industry and cost-effective compliance solutions safety managers can implement to help reinforce safety practices and stay within budget.
The following is a transcript of the Construction Safety infographic:
Construction Safety Infographic
Current State of the Construction Industry
There were over 10 million workers in the U.S. construction industry as of 2016.
The Engineering & Construction (E&C) industry is one of the world's largest sectors of the economy with $10 trillion spent on construction-related goods and services each year.
Construction Supervisors: #9 most dangerous job of 2018.
- 18 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers
- 134 fatalities
*according to fatal work injury rates reported by the Bureau of Labors Statistics.
43% of construction workers plan to work past age 65, according to a health and retirement study by the Center for Construction Research & Training.
60% of OSHA inspections were in the construction industry as of 2016.
Projected growth of the industry and the number of construction worker deaths are on the rise.
991 deaths out of 4,693 (21%) were in construction.
The Fatal Four
OSHA identifies the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry as the "Fatal Four." In 2017, the Fatal Four claimed seven spots on OSHA's Top 10 list of most-cited violations.
OSHA estimates that eliminiating these four hazards in construction would save 631 workers' lives per year in America.
- Falls: 384 deaths (38.7%)
- Struck By Object: 93 deaths (9.4%)
- Electrocution: 82 deaths (8.3%)
- Caught-In/Between: 72 deaths (7.3%)
Most Cited Standards of 2017
and average cost per violation
- Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501): $4,791
- General Scaffold Requirements (29 CFR 1926.451): $2,697
- Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): $2,300
- Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503): $1,480
- Eye & Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102): $2,270
Special Trade Contractors
Executing construction projects is a large managerial challenge and contributes to the industry’s productivity problem.
Specialty trade contractors are 12-28% less productive than large-scale building contractors, according to a McKinsey Global Institute study.
5 Advances in Construction Technology for 2018
Improve cost, safety, efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage in the industry.
Better communication between managers and off-site contract and temporary workers.
Adopting new technology could boost $1.6 trillion in the industry (estimated), adding about 2% to the global economy, or the equivalent to meeting half of the world’s infrastructure needs (McKinsey report, 2015).
1. Virtual Reality
Managers can use 4D virtual reality models to immerse stakeholders and owners into the environment of the design plan for major projects such as airports and hotels. A 4D environment increases the success of building a more consistent and quality final product that meets the expectations and buy-in of stakeholders.
2. Augmented Reality
Physically walk through the environment with a 3D view. This allows users to gather real-time information about improvements for the environment. There are iOS applications that exist that allow you to interact with existing components or objects through the screen. Measure, level, and place objects with the iOS app: AR MeasureKit. You can operate the app using your cell phone or iPad.
3. Advanced Tracking
Employers can improve safety and keep projects on schedule with wearable technology. Track the activity of workers, alert them of potential hazards in real time, and receive live project updates.
4. Connected Job Sites
Better manage risk, keep projects on track, and maintain company standards with connected job sites. Track more accurate, real-time data using online cloud-based project management software. This allows users to access real-time information from anywhere. With management systems like this in place, employees can update blueprints, respond to RFIs in real-time, and it reduces the potential for error and miscommunication.
5. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
UAVs aka drones are already in use in the industry, providing a convenient way to conduct safety audits, observations, and inspections. However, advancements to make the most of their use remains to be seen. It is also estimated that more than 1.4 million new industrial robots will be installed in workplaces worldwide from 2016-2019 (IFR International Federation of Robotics, 2016).
Cost-Effective Compliance Solutions
Comply with OSHA & ANSI safety sign standards. Use premade construction signs or customize your own on-site and on demand with DuraLabel printers.
DuraLabel Toro: Print on 1/2''-4'' tape widths
DuraLabel Kodiak: Print on 4''-10'' tape widths
- Confined Space Entry Requirements
- PPE Requirements
- Scaffold and Ladder Warnings
- General Construction-related Warnings and Advisories
Protect Your Construction Workers from the Fatal Four!
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