A construction worker dies every four days!

Once again, the BG Bau accident figures show a dramatic balance of accidents at work. According to the figures available, 69 construction workers had already suffered fatal accidents by September 2021. The main causes were falls from a great height and fatal injuries caused by falling parts. After 74 fatalities in 2020 in the same period, and 97 in total, the trend in fatal road accidents is at least somewhat encouraging so far. In 2020, there had been 13 commuting accidents up to September, while in 2021 there have only been 6 fatalities in commuting accidents to or from the construction site.

Statistically speaking, a construction worker has had a fatal accident every four days this year. The trend is worrying and does not bode well. The number of fatal accidents is alarming and threatens to reach the record high of the previous year, according to IG Bau Federal Executive Board member Burckhardt. The number of reportable accidents at work is also at an alarmingly high level, totalling 77,115 cases. Construction sites are still a problem child when it comes to occupational health and safety. Time and cost pressures are often the main cause, especially in smaller companies. Despite the good and important work of the BG Bau in matters of occupational safety, Burckhardt said that a different awareness and even more prevention was required.

There is also a clear monitoring deficit due to insufficient staff at the state health and safety authorities. Greater pressure to monitor companies that do not take occupational safety seriously is necessary. "Relying solely on personal responsibility is not enough," says Burckhardt.

The planning and monitoring of occupational health and safety on construction sites is therefore a top priority at the Mull Group. Not only for the protection of Mull employees themselves, but also for the protection of construction workers, the necessary safety measures to minimise the specific dangers of construction work are taken into account at an early stage in the planning and monitoring of construction measures. For example, the tasks of the health and safety coordinator in accordance with the Construction Site Ordinance or the coordinator in accordance with TRGS 524 for work in contaminated areas are taken on as part of construction projects. However, the provision of external safety specialists for manufacturing companies, for example, are just a few examples of the tasks performed by the Mull Group.

Fatal accidents in the construction industry - another sad record year looms

#Injury at work #Fall #Occupational safety

Image source/copyright: BG BAU28-04-2022_10-47