The safety supervisor and coordinator at B & V Contracting in Yonkers, New York, Vincent Poggioreale ensures all construction projects taken on by the company are completed safely. To this end, Vincent Poggioreale provides safety equipment to construction workers, helps foremen maintain site safety, and leads job site safety meetings. There are several construction hazards on construction sites, but some of the most common safety concerns are slips, trips, and falls. In fact, these accidents result in 40 percent of fatalities in construction.
Fortunately, injuries resulting from these accidents are preventable, as long as the correct precautions are taken. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), basic housekeeping on construction sites is essential for preventing slips, trips, and falls. These tasks include making sure passageways are in good repair and free of obstruction. Meanwhile, floors must be kept free of grease, water, and oil, and steps and stairways must have sturdy railings and good lighting.
In addition to this, special attention should be paid to weather on outdoor construction sites. Ice, snow, and rain all increase the risk of workers slipping or tripping. They may also impede the function of certain safety features, such as emergency exits. Keeping staircases, walkways, and exits free of snow and ice reduces this risk, as does keeping floors and ramps dry in the rain.
Using the right tools for the job, having stepladders readily available, and wearing slip-resistant shoes also limits the chances of these injuries occurring.
Vincent Poggioreale 