Contractors and their construction crews face some extreme worksite risks while on the job. Proper safety measures and equipment lowers this risk, but never eliminates it completely. The nature of the job is simply dangerous. However, knowing and understanding the biggest risk can help you prepare better and keep your crew safer. So what are the biggest risks?

1. Falling: Falls from atop scaffolding and ladders are the most common worksite hazard. These falls account for over 50 percent of worksite accidents and one in every five worksite falls results in death. Slipping, tripping, using unstable ladders and moving scaffold components are the leading causes of accidental falls.
2. Stairways and ladders: You may be surprised to learn that stairways and ladders are major sources of injury for construction professionals, resulting in over 24,000 injuries and over 30 fatalities per year. Workers rushing around on unstable, slippery equipment can lead to such accidents.
3. Electricity: Construction workers, electricians and electrical engineers are exposed to the hazards of electrical shock every day. Workers may get careless near power lines or come into contact with frayed wiring, which can lead to injury or death.
4. Heavy equipment: Approximately 100 construction professionals die each year as a result of an accident involving heavy construction equipment. Vehicles may strike a worker while backing up or changing directions, equipment rollovers may injure the operator, workers can be crushed by falling equipment etc.
5. Excavation and trenching: Recognized as the most dangerous worksite operation, excavation and trenching has caused over 270 deaths over the past decade. Workers can easily be trapped in cave-ins during such activities.

Studying safety procedures and educating your construction crew regularly can help you maintain a safer worksite and protect your crew. The more you know about potential worksite risks, the better preventative action you’ll be able to take.

Protect your business with specialized coverage. Call McFarlin Insurance Agency at (410) 312-7800 for more information on Maryland contractors insurance.