Industry specific considerations to keep in mind when responding
When responding to a workplace construction accident be aware that there are a number of special nuances to consider as you coordinate your response plan. As we look at the environmental challenges that face construction workers one can quickly see the potential for hazards and accidents are high. Employers in the construction industry must acknowledge that they are in a dangerous industry where worksite safety hazards capable of causing death or serious injury can develop quickly and without warning.
According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in construction accidents and the second most common cause of non-fatal injuries. Unsecure scaffolds or ladders can lead to falls that are sure to cause injuries. Another common worksite accident involves grounding of power lines. As construction workers tend to work near or around underground or overhead power lines, they pose a high risk of getting electrocuted. Excavation work has the highest ranking for fatalities coming in 112 % higher than for general construction industry. Corporate or local human resources department will need to deal with the human needs, carefully and compassionately, from the very beginning.
Some common injuries employees may have witnessed include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Back, neck, or spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Death
If there is a fatality or a hospitalization of three or more employees as a result of a workplace injury/accident, the employer is required to report this event within eight hours to OSHA under its record keeping requirements. OSHA investigates all fatalities and catastrophic accidents events. For other catastrophic events such as fires, explosions, workplace violence, etc., the employer most likely will receive an OSHA inspection, even if there is no reporting obligation.
As with all Critical Incident Responses, it is important to take into consideration the culture and environmental factors of the workgroup as you tailor your intervention. One important distinction to make is that smaller construction companies typically have less resources than larger companies. This is an important fact to know because often self-employed contractors may lack safety training. They may also work longer hours and feel the pressure to compete for jobs that may be more dangerous or have rigid time constraints. This added pressure to get the job done faster can lead to mistakes and accidents.
Many smaller contracting companies may be family owned. Responding to a workgroup which includes potential relatives and friends may deepen the impact of a critical incident. Watch for underlying conflicts which may be lingering under the surface. You may also encounter employees who are undocumented workers who fear being exposed. Self-employed contractors also do not have the labor union support that larger construction companies may offer.
The weather is also a contributing factor to many worksite accidents. Colder conditions and slippery roofs can lead to slips, falls, and accidents.
It’s important to listen for the themes of blame, guilt, and anger when meeting with groups or individual employees. Stay neutral about workplace issues and keep the intervention focused on building resiliency. Your support, expertise, and skill in creating a safe atmosphere for sharing is essential to the recovery process. By acknowledging the incident, normalizing reactions, and providing coping strategies, you can help transition workers back to a new normal.
What other types of themes or environmental concerns have you encountered when responding to the construction industry?
Guest Author: Jodie Loomans MS, CRC, CEAP, is a Master’s prepared rehabilitation and mental health professional with over 13 years’ experience providing: EAP clinical consultation, performance coaching, case management, critical incident response coordination, disability determinations, and high risk behavioral assessments. Jodie collaborates and coordinates case management across the R3 continuum delivering seamless high end customer service. Consults with supervisors, HR managers & employees’ about workplace & work based issues. Jodie specializes in Critical Incident Response Coordination and Trauma Case Management for corporations and established EAP contracts.
