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Understanding the New Hazard in Construction: Live Traffic
In a significant move aimed at enhancing safety in construction environments, Balfour Beatty has declared that speeding vehicles will join the Fatal Four risks already recognized by OSHA—falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between situations, and electrocutions. This awareness comes as a crucial step as they prepare for the upcoming Construction Safety Week.
Rising Risks in Work Zones
In 2022 alone, there were a staggering 891 total work zone fatalities, and 136 of those were pedestrians and workers. Recent data underscores the ever-present danger that construction sites face not just from their operations but from the driving public. A survey by the Associated General Contractors revealed that two-thirds of contractors experienced a vehicle crash in their work zones last year, emphasizing the urgent need for heightened awareness and protective measures in these areas.
The Call for Increased Safety Measures
According to Richard Ryan, Balfour Beatty U.S. senior vice president of safety and sustainability, the risks posed by motorists in work zones are life-threatening for construction workers. “This is about protecting our people, the public, and fundamentally changing how we approach safety,” Ryan stated, highlighting the importance of adopting measures that address the often-overlooked danger of live traffic.
Working Toward a Safer Future
The push to integrate traffic safety into construction risk assessments indicates a broader commitment to worker safety during construction and reconstruction efforts, especially in busy metropolitan areas where home remodeling is on the rise. Homeowners looking for reliable remodeling services should prioritize contractors who adhere to robust safety protocols to ensure not only their project’s success but also the safety of the workers involved.
Conclusion: A Community Responsibility
The acknowledgment of live traffic as a killer in construction zones is a crucial step in a broader movement towards heightened safety standards. Every homeowner, remodeler, and community member has a role in promoting a safety-conscious culture around ongoing construction. Whether it's through hiring reputable home contractors or spreading awareness, everyone can contribute to making construction sites safer.
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