Staying safe and healthy while working overseas is extremely important. Especially when working in construction, it is even more important to take note of how to prevent work injuries overseas.

Below we have compiled a short guide to help prevent any such injuries from happening.

Know Your Rights

Before taking on any job, it is important to know your rights as a construction worker working overseas. 

One such act every contractor should know about is the Defense Base Act. The Defense Base Act (also known as the DBA) provides workers compensation protection to civilian employees working outside the United States on US military bases or under a contract with the U.S. government for public works or for national defense.

Make sure that you understand what is covered in case of any work injuries. 

Take Precautions

Just as you would look into making sure that the proper materials and permits are collected before you start any construction work, it is important to take precautions and make sure everything is legitimate. 

Workplace accident prevention comes from making sure that the equipment is all up to code, as well as any materials you will be using. 

It is also important to take note of any precautions in the country and not to take any shortcuts for what you are working on. It is important to follow their rules as well. 

Keep a Clean Work Environment

Many workplace injuries can be prevented by keeping the work environment clean and neat. 

Picking up tools after they have been used, cleaning up dust that can be slippery, and cleaning the rails of ladders can all be small steps to prevent a major injury. 

Don’t Overexert Yourself (Or Your Workers)

It was recorded in 2019 that the majority of work injuries were due to overexertion.

This action of working and not resting enough can lead to many injuries that could have been avoided such as; sprains, falls, cuts, burns, and more. 

Make sure to give yourself, and your workers, enough time to go home and rest after each day. And if they do report not feeling well, to allow time for them to heal. 

Keep To Safety Guidelines and Reviews

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s, also known as OSHA, many workplace injuries can be prevented, if the workplace knew about, and stayed on top of, maintaining safety precautions and guidelines.

It is important to review the rules and precautions to take in the workplace on a regular basis. The more everyone knows, the less likely a work injury is to happen. 

Prevention starts with education.

What to Do for Work Injuries

Prevention is key to keeping you and your team safe, However, sometimes accidents do happen. 

If you do have work injuries, it is important to notify the project management right away. Make sure to review the safety precautions with the team and to get medical assistance right away. 

If you, or someone you know, has suffered a work injury, make sure to contact us on our site for your consultation