Massachusetts Construction Insurance: Contractor Safety- Part 2
As discussed in part 1 of this post, if you own a construction company, or even if you are an independent contractor, it’s imperative that you focus on job site safety. The construction industry has one of the highest incidences of workplace injuries, and injury can occur to even the most experienced professionals.
It part 2 of this post, we’ll be looking at the best ways for construction workers to avoid falls on the job site. Falls are amount the most common causes of serious work related injuries for contractors. OSHA requires that construction employers provide fall protection at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces and six feet in the construction industry. In order to prevent employees from being injured by falls, OSHA also requires that employers:
- Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk.
- Provide a guard rail and toe-board around every elevated open sided platform, floor or runway and also provide these if there is any chance a worker can fall into or onto dangerous machines or equipment.
- If necessary, provide safety harnesses and lines, safety nets, stair railings, and hand rails.
- Provide working conditions that are free of known dangers.
- Keep floors in work areas in a clean and dry condition.
- Select and provide required personal protective equipment at no cost to workers.
- Train workers about job hazards in a language they can understand.
Following these OSHA guidelines will help your construction site comply with safety laws as well as keep your employees safe. At Sinclair Risk & Financial Management, our construction specialists work with clients of all types and fully understand the diversity of this industry. Our customized MA Construction Insurance program is based on your unique needs. Just a couple of products we offer include Professional Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation. Please contact us at (877) 602-2305 for more information.