Most accidents result from human error. Whether an error is made from carelessness, incompetence or by chance, an accident generally results from the inattention of a worker. Many times, this can be caused by the repetitive nature of many work actions and the natural comfort that comes from going through the motions. Other times it can be from a miscommunication between different groups of people on the site. Even with the most experienced worker, being comfortable or having several groups of people on the job can make everyday tasks seem monotonous and relaxed; when in reality, every day presents new tasks, projects and challenges. This is true especially for construction sites, as there are several kinds of people working at once, causing inattention and safety non-compliance.
With the nearly 6.5 million people working at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day, it is not uncommon for these sites to boast workers who perform repetitive actions, as well as an abundant need for clear communication and hazard recognition. According to OSHA, the fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all industries, costing billions of dollars on an annual basis. With statistics like these, it is important to look at ways for better planning and implementation of safety strategies, such as recognizing hazards. An effective way to do this is to implement a team safety structure among all parties working at the site.