Did you know? In the construction industry, struck-by injuries have been the leading cause of death as well as non-fatal injuries for nearly three decades. Our crews deserve better. To change these statistics, we all need to do our part to improve work zone safety. Here are some eye-opening statistics about work zone safety that deserve attention and awareness:
- 762 fatal crashes in work zones. 842 deaths.
- 135 roadway workers were killed in work zones in 2019.
- A work zone crash occurs once every 5.4 minutes.
- Every day, 70 work zone crashes occur that result in at least one injury.
- Every week, 12 work zone crashes occur that result in at least one fatality.
Those statistics are the reason that Kentucky’s workforce and I Build America – Kentucky will once again support National Work Zone Awareness Week, which will take place April 26-30, 2021. This year’s theme is “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.” and the goal is to encourage drivers to take extra precautions during the height of the construction season.
While safety is a priority every day, National Work Zone Awareness Week is a great opportunity to encourage all construction leads to take time out of the workday to facilitate various training sessions that cover everything from preventative measures to protective methods. This is each construction organization’s opportunity to highlight policies already in place and establish future safety goals for the team.
Go Orange for Safety on April 28
April 28 is this year’s Go Orange Day, the special day during NWZAW in which construction crews, team members, staff and professionals are encouraged to wear orange in support of safety. If we all work together, the wave of orange sends a signal to our teams that we prioritize safety and to the public that our crews matter. When there’s orange on the road, whether it’s a crew member in high-vis gear or orange barrels on the road, slow down and save lives. And, as a reminder, your actions matter! Use extra caution while working on and driving past all road construction sites all day, every day, all year long.
Safety Never Stops
National Work Zone Awareness Week is a good reminder to bring up safety discussions with crews and family members, but we must continue to prioritize safety day in and day out. Construction safety is not only about high-vis gear and orange cones. Safety also incorporates the wellness of our crews, staff, and leadership in all aspects. Mental health, emotional health, and physical health are all critical parts of keeping our entire teams working at their best. Construction Safety Week is another nationally recognized week that focuses on the overall safety of our crews. I Build America – Kentucky will share resources for both Construction Safety Week and National Work Zone Awareness Week that are free for teams, departments, sub-contractors, and individuals to use to help promote the message that safety never stops.
