This week's lesson will cover causes and results of accidents in the construction industry.

The most common causes of accidents include:

One example of failing to communicate is not posting the appropriate signs at the work site. There are many different types of signs that are used in construction, including:

Informational signs are blue and they provide general information. Examples of messages seen on informational signs are:

Most safety signs have a green panel and white lettering. They give general instructions and suggestions about safety measures. Examples of messages seen on safety signs include:

Caution signs are yellow and black. They warn you of potential hazards or unsafe acts. Examples of messages seen on caution signs include:

Danger signs are red, black, and white. These signs let you know that an immediate hazard is present and certain precautions are necessary to avoid an accident. Examples of messages seen on danger signs include:

Another common cause of accidents is poor work habits. Examples of poor work habits include:

An example of procrastination is waiting to long to repair or replace equipment which can lead to an accident

An example of carelessness is not using power tools carefully.

Goofing off or playing jokes on someone not only takes your focus off your work, it can also lead to injuries.

Alcohol and drug abuse prevents workers from working safely and effectively. Everyone who works with someone who has abused alcohol or drugs is at risk. It is not only illegal drugs that can affect the performance of a worker. Prescription and over the counter drugs can also.

Lack of skill can also lead to accidents. Never operate a power tool that you have not been trained to use.

An intentional act can cause accidents. This is when someone causes an accident on purpose for whatever reason. You should let your supervisor know if you hear someone make threats.

Another cause of accidents is unsafe acts. This is when correct procedure is not followed resulting in unnecessary risk. Examples of unsafe acts include:

Rationalizing risk is when you ignore safety practices. Doing this can also cause accidents. Examples of rationalizing risks include:

Unsafe conditions occur when the acceptable, normal condition is not present. Examples of unsafe conditions include:

Management system failure is when accidents occur because a company did not do what it should have to ensure safety. Examples of this include:

It is very important in construction to keep work areas clean and organized. When working indoors, make sure the area has a sufficient amount of lighting and ventilation. Tips to keep in mind include:

There are three categories of on-the-job events. They are:

Injuries are anything that requires treatment, no matter how small.

Accidents are anything that causes an injury or property damage.

Incidents are anything that could have caused an injury or property damage but did not, because it was caught in time.

All on-the-job events must be reported to your supervisor.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was designed to protect American workers from injuries and death. Most employers and employees must follow the policies and regulations the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Depending on where you work and what you are doing the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910 and CRF Part 1926 might apply to you. CRF 1926 covers OSHA standards for the construction industry.

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Don't forget to take the quiz and answer the discussion group question!