Recently releasedresearch says construction workers on LEED projects suffer more falls than workers on traditional projects, are exposed to high-risk tasks, and incur more lacerations, strains and sprains than workers on traditional construction projects. LEED-certified buildings have a 9% higher recordable injury rate than non-LEED buildings.
As part of the study, designers and contractors identified prefabrication, effective site layout and alternative products as methods to prevent injuries that specifically relate the hazards of each sustainable element. The study also revealed feasible prevention methods through design techniques, technologies and controls, and management strategies that can be implemented to mitigate these risks.
Safety has always been an important issue in the construction industry, but with renewable energy technologies and new installation techniques on any type of “green” or sustainable construction jobsite, it would be wise for the industry to focus on training workers for these types of work environments.
