Charlotte’s Construction Workers Grapple with Hidden Dangers on the Job
In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, the bustling construction industry is facing some alarming challenges, particularly when it comes to worker safety. According to recent data from the Center for Construction Research and Training, construction workers are responsible for nearly 20% of deadly workplace injuries, making it one of the most perilous professions in the United States. As more projects break ground across the city, safety has become a major concern for contractors and workers alike.
Increasing Risks in Work Zones
A recent study conducted by the Carolinas Associated General Contractors sheds light on how safety risks in highway work zones have escalated over the past year. In fact, a staggering 60% of contractors believe they face a higher likelihood of accidents now compared to last year.
The Role of Distracted Driving
Roger Richards, the safety director at Sanders Utility Construction, sheds some light on this worrying trend. He attributes a significant portion of the increased danger to distracted driving and drivers operating under the influence. “Someone’s always looking out, right? And as the old saying is, ‘You are your brother’s keeper,’” Richards noted, emphasizing the importance of vigilance on busy work sites.
Hyper Awareness among Workers
On construction sites, it’s not uncommon for workers to develop a keen sense of awareness, not just for themselves, but for each other. Richards mentioned that they have seen drivers breach their safety perimeters, emphasizing the need for constant alertness. “We’ve had people drive through when we had our fence and everything up. We had a gate on the upper end and lower end, and we actually had some road users come through the gate into the work zone,” he explained.
Implementing Safety Measures
To counteract these challenges, Richards and his crew have implemented numerous safety measures, including installing water-filled barriers. “These barriers protect us; they’re not solid concrete, which means they can help safeguard road users too in case of an accident,” he stated. However, despite taking such precautions, the persistent threat remains.
Stats That Raise Eyebrows
Lately, reports from Carolinas AGC indicate that a staggering 56% of North Carolina contractors have experienced at least five crashes on construction sites in the past twelve months. Alarmingly, 24% of those contractors reported a worker was killed in a crash while working on the roads. Richards articulated his concern about the alarming behavior of drivers, saying, “You see a lot of them on their phone or they’re distracted, they’re eating or something to that effect to where they’re not fully focused on driving.”
Advocating for Change
Richards is urging change on multiple fronts. He collaborates with Carolinas AGC to advocate for legislation that would enhance safety regulations around work zones. One of their key proposals is to require new drivers to complete work zone safety training before getting their licenses. “Please pay attention, read the advanced warning signs, stay off your phone going through work zones and pay attention. We all want to go home at the end of the day,” Richards emphasized passionately.
The Road Ahead
As the construction industry continues to grow in Charlotte, it’s evident that there’s a pressing need for better safety measures and stronger awareness among drivers. In the meantime, everyone involved in these projects hopes that as awareness increases, so too will the responsibility of those navigating these work zones.
