OSHA releases educational videos for construction industry

Washington – OSHA on Nov. 14 released 12 short videos about potential construction hazards in an effort to reduce injuries, illnesses and deaths in the industry.

The videos cover hazards such as falls, sprains and strains, struck-bys, carbon monoxide, and excavations. Each video, ranging from two to four minutes long, shows how quickly a worker can be injured or killed on the job, and aims to help with the identification, reduction and elimination of construction-related hazards.

OSHA administrator David Michaels urged employers to watch the videos and organize screenings for their workers. “Every step we take to educate workers about their rights and the safety measures employers must take to protect workers in construction helps us avoid preventable injuries and the tragic loss of life,” he said.

In 2010, 751 deaths occurred in the construction industry, with a rate of about 4 injuries per 100 full-time workers, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.