Construction industry workers may be exposed to a number of hazards on a typical worksite. Minimizing the risks of these hazards is in the best interests of both workers and employers. Construction hazards that may cause injury or death can result in additional downtime, expensive compensation claims, and decreased employee morale. Helping to prevent four of the most common construction hazards by using crane mats is an investment that can pay for itself many times over.
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the top four construction hazards are falls, workers being struck by equipment, individuals caught-in or between machinery, and electrocution. Using crane mats and other hardwood lumber products from Ritter Forest Products on your job sites can help reduce the risk of each of these four construction hazards.
Falls
Falls can occur from any height, but the further a worker falls, the greater the likelihood of serious injury. Falls from machinery can be particularly dangerous due to the risk of the equipment moving after the worker falls. Crane mats can help to reduce the risk of falls by providing a safe, stable work area for machinery, helping prevent unintended movement of equipment that can lead to accidents.
Struck-By
Struck-by injuries may occur when a worker is struck by a vehicle or piece of equipment. Alarms may help to alert workers to moving equipment, and high-visibility clothing may help to keep workers visible to equipment operators, but more can be done to minimize struck-by hazards. Operating heavy equipment only in a safe and stable environment greatly reduces the risk of struck-by incidents caused by equipment sliding or slipping unexpectedly. Crane mats provide a stable work area even when the ground is muddy or soft, and outrigging pads and transition mats help keep equipment stable while digging or while moving on and off the mat platform.
Caught-In/Between
Caught-in or caught between hazards can occur while working with a compact worksite or with jobs in trenches involving digging equipment. Slipping or sliding equipment or unstable trenches create a significant risk for a caught-in/between injury. Shoring materials from Ritter Forest can help keep excavated areas stable, while laminated mats can be easily maneuvered into place and provide stability and ground protection in even the most difficult areas.
Electrocution
Electrocution is a risk in many construction activities, including excavation and overhead work. Using crane mats can help protect your job site by identifying hazardous areas. Mats can provide ground cover to protect equipment or workers from coming into contact with buried lines, while strategic mat placement can be used to remind workers of overhead hazards or only places where the clearance is sufficient for your machinery to work.
Ritter Forest is a family-owned business that is committed to providing the highest possible level of service to our customers. At Ritter Forest, our service is as dependable as our products, and we have worked diligently to help our customers create safer, more efficient worksites. To learn more about mat purchase or rental or to receive a quote, call us today at 800-426-9570.
