One of the most dangerous industries is construction. For many, this may not come as a shock because there are so many hazards associated with the job. Workers use high powered equipment and heavy machinery. They move, lift, and build large objects. On many sites the workers have to stand on rooftops or scaffoldings. Workers have to make sure they are careful so they do not fall off.
The most common hazards on a construction site are:
- Fall from a height
- Collapse of a trench
- Collapse of a scaffold
- Neglect to use personal protective equipment
- Repeated motion
The most common injuries associated with constructions sites are falling from a height such as a ladder or a rooftop. The negligence of these injuries is either the building or construction site failing to implement safety measures or the employee neglecting to comply with safety rules. Injuries on a construction site are common and deaths on a construction site account for 15 percent of all job-related deaths in the United States.
Falling from high places is common because typically workers are standing on heights of over six feet tall. Employees may fall due to unstable surfaces, neglecting to use safety equipment, or companies failing to comply with OSHA rules and regulations.
There are several solutions for fall prevention which include:
- Using aerial lifts or elevated platforms
- Installing guardrails near the edge of the roof
- Cover holes in the floor
- Use safety nets or a body harness
Ramps, stairs, walkways, and crossover systems can be installed on top of a roof to make it easy for employees easily maneuver the rooftop without stumbling or falling. They provide safety, convenience, and maintenance support. This equipment can be permanently installed so that if an employee needs to access the roof at a later time they can do this safety. Walkway systems are installed directly to the rooftop to maintain stability without damaging the surface of the roof.
Workplace injuries on a construction site are common but they are preventable. Spending the money on safety equipment is less expensive than paying for an emergency bill. Both employees and employers need to comply with safety regulations to ensure that everyone stays safe. However, there are many cases where injuries are accidental and usually due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As long as safety requirements are met, the occurrence of injuries will drastically decrease.
PHP Systems/Designs (Portable Pipe Hangers) is your source for Rooftop Walkways. At PHP, we engineer roof walkways, stairs, ramps, and crossovers with code-compliant designs.