According to statistics compiled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, roughly 38 percent of all construction site deaths in 2015 were due to falls, with 9 percent the result of a worker being hit by an object, and 7 percent due to electrocutions.
Now in an effort to decrease the incidence of such accidents, the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, along with the Associated Builders and Contractors, have announced the launching of a unique joint worksite prevention project.
In a Memorandum of Understanding, the two organizations say they will focus on getting the word out on effective occupational safety and health best practices, particularly through the use of both print and electronic media.
There will additionally be a focus on recruiting efforts designed to encourage occupational and health technical programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
“This agreement will provide employers and the members of the workforce with new pathways to strengthen safety, demonstrating commitment to our shared values through education, certification, and professional development,” said Linda Martin, the president of the Indianapolis-based BCSP.
Founded in 1969, the BCSP is dedicated to certifying practitioners in the safety profession. Those practitioners, in turn, work with companies on reducing or greatly eliminating workplace hazards.
By Garry Boulard