Full transcript
0:00In the U.S., more than 800 construction workers die
0:03every year while on the job.
0:05Being struck by vehicles, heavy equipment, and other
0:08objects is the top cause of injuries and the second
0:11cause of death for construction workers,
0:13killing more than 150 workers in 2009.
0:18But these injuries and deaths can be prevented.
0:21The video you are about to see shows how quickly
0:24struck-by accidents at construction sites can
0:27lead to worker deaths.
0:28The video will also show what employers must do
0:31so that the work can be done more safely.
0:34Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace
0:37and required protective equipment.
0:40You'll see that taking the right protective steps saves lives.
0:44Please be advised.
0:45The scenes you are about to see deal with deaths at
0:47construction sites and might be disturbing
0:49for some people.
0:51All scenes are based on true stories.
0:54A surveyor was spray painting the ground
0:57to outline the area for a new building pad.
1:00At the same time, the driver of a wheel tractor
1:03scraper was moving forward to get the ground ready
1:05for pad construction.
1:07There was no spotter at the site, and there was no
1:09internal traffic control plan in place.
1:13Before backing up to go over the ground again,
1:15the driver checked his rearview and side mirrors.
1:19He didn't see anyone in his mirrors, so he backed up.
1:23The driver's back-up alarm didn't work, so the surveyor
1:26did not hear the scraper coming towards her.
1:29As the driver backed up, he ran over the surveyor.
1:32She died from the injuries.
1:35Let's look at the events leading up to this tragic
1:38incident, and see how it could have been prevented.
1:41When a vehicle on a construction site has an
1:42obstructed view to the rear OSHA's standard requires
1:46employers to provide that vehicle with a working
1:48back-up alarm, or a spotter on site to tell
1:52the driver when it is safe to back up.
1:55Now let's see what happens when protective
1:57measures are in place.
1:59Although there is now a working back-up alarm,
2:01it is barely audible over the background noise,
2:05so as an added safety measure there is also
2:07a spotter on site wearing a reflective vest.
2:10There is also an internal traffic control plan in place.
2:14This plan helps protect workers because it tells
2:17the drivers of moving vehicles and equipment the safest way
2:21to move around the work site.
2:22So this time, before backing up, the scraper's
2:25driver waits for the spotter's signal so he knows
2:28the area is clear to enter.
2:31Now as the driver reverses, the back-up alarm can
2:34be heard and no workers are near the scraper.
2:39This example shows the importance of employers following
2:42OSHA's vehicle safety standards for construction
2:44sites to ensure that workers are provided with a
2:47safe workplace.
2:49These types of construction worker deaths are preventable.
2:52The protection measures shown here save workers' lives.
2:56Please follow OSHA's safety standards at worksites:
3:00it could be the difference between life and death.
3:03If you would like more information,
3:05contact OSHA at www.osha.gov
3:10or 1-800-321-OSHA
3:14that's 1-800-321-6742