Accidents happen. This is why it’s important for a contractor or a contracting company to carry worker’s compensation, because you never know when someone with trip or slip!

In 2016, 203,500 injuries and illnesses were reported in the construction industry. Around 22,880 of these were sprains, strains, and tears; 13,020 claims were pain related; 11,880 were fractures and 11,810 were cuts, lacerations and punctures.

The average time a worker was out was 10 days. Of the 82,760 accident injuries reported, only 14 percent required just 1 day out. However, 26,010 injuries caused people to be way from work an average of 31 days; this accounts for around 1/3 of the accidents. That’s a lot of people out of work for a long time!

Why so many injuries? Well construction sites are full of hazards. Even when the right safety measure have been taken, accidents can still occur. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, here’s some examples of what hurt people.

• 9,020 incidents occurred from building material injuries from pipes, bricks, wood, metal and stone
• 1,700 incidents happened from nails and screws
• 10,500 incidents happened from the way a worker moved. A worker tweaked/hurt something from climbing, walking, reaching, twisting, or bending
• 8,490 incidents happened from hand tools
• 7,140 cases happened from ladders.
• 24,700 incidents occurred from falls, trips, or slips
• 29,160 incidents happened from contact with objects
• 2,960 incidents happened from contact with harmful substances or environments

Although not all accidents can be avoided, a lot can be prevented with the right safety protocols in place. There are so many safety tips on a construction site, but we just wanted to share a few as a reminder:

• Be mindful of your surroundings
• Always wear protect equipment: hardhats, safety glasses, vests, gloves, steel-toed boots, jackets
• Stretch before working
• Avoid sudden movements
• Clean up spills immediately
• Inspect all tools and machines before use to make sure they are working properly.
• Use fall protection devices
• Keep walking surfaces clear
• Take breaks

It’s not only important to be safe at work, it’s also important to practice contracting work legally. If you’re looking to get your Florida contractor’s license, we can help you get through the  contractor license process fast. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To get started on the process, click here or call us at 239-777-1028.