Construction is dangerous work. According to Zurich, more than 80,000 construction workers are injured on the job each year in the U.S.

More than 10,000 of those workers are injured from falls on construction sites each year, according to Stopconstructionfalls.org.

“Falls from heights are a major concern on construction sites, ranking as the leading cause of death in the industry,” says Scott Rasor, head of Construction at Zurich North America. “More than 200 U.S. construction workers are killed each year from falls.”

Many more construction workers face the risk of asbestos exposure on the job, with an estimated 1.3 million facing the risk of exposure. Asbestos exposure can lead to devastating health consequences for workers, and potentially lawsuits for employers.

Zurich North America offers tips for construction sites to reduce exposure to risks like workplace falls and asbestos exposure. Click through to read more.

(Danylo Samiylenko/Shutterstock.com)

Assess site hazards to determine the appropriate equipment needed for a job.

If a worksite is utilizing a crane or has workers operating from elevated heights, make sure to have the proper equipment in place to keep both those working there and those on the ground safe.

If asbestos is present at a worksite, it is important to "suit up." Be sure to wear the proper protective gear recommended by OSHA, including the appropriate headwear, goggles, work suits, respirator masks, rubber gloves, and foot coverings. Click on the infographic on the right for more detailed information.

(Budimir Jevtic/Shutterstock.com)

Invest in proper equipment, ensuring it's used appropriately and with caution.

Once you've determined what equipment is needed, make an investment in the right equipment. Anchors, full body harnesses, shock absorbing harnesses, and descent and rescue devices are all equipment that could be used on jobs at elevated heights to prevent dangerous falls. Click on the infographic on the right for more detailed information.

When investing in equipment for asbestos removal, proper respiration is key. Be sure to invest in NIOSH-approved respirators, and make sure no body parts are exposed. For more detailed information, check out the infographic on the previous page.

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Inspect and remove any fall exposures, while securing materials so they don't fall.

Zurich recommends going through a checklist to ensure that each piece of equipment is secure and free of any fall exposures.

Is all hardware free of cracks, burns or corrosion?
Do all working parts move freely including buckles and snap hooks?
Are all plastic pads and keepers in place and free of cuts or cracks?
Are the webbing and rope free of any cuts, frays or broken fibers?
Do any tears, abrasions or discolorations exist? Is stitching in tact, or are the stitches pulled or cut?
Are all labels present and fully legible?

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Train employees on fall protection and equipment inspection, having accountability in place for ignoring safety precautions.

Keeping employees informed is one of the most important steps in preventing construction site fall accidents. Ensure employees are properly trained in safety measures and equipment inspections, and make it clear that disciplinary action will be taken if an employee does not follow the safety protocols set up by your construction site.

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Document safety-training activites and non-compliance with protocols.

Keep documentation on safety-training activities and non-compliance to ensure training is regularly enforced and non-compliance stays down.

(Stuart Jenner/Shutterstock.com)

Before starting work, discuss the day's tasks, required tools, and potential hazards.

Continue to keep employees informed of the risks they face and how to prevent them from happening by going through each day's tasks, required tools, and potential hazards before work begins. Knowing what they are working on each day will help keep workers safe and reduce the risk of workers' compensation payouts and lawsuits for your company.

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6 tips to prevent construction worksite fall and asbestos exposure risks

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