By Safety Culture Pro

One OSHA fatality report says this: He was…

“checking the power take-off of a Mack dump truck, the string of his sweatshirt became caught in the rotating shaft. He was pulled into the drive shaft, strangled, and killed.”

In the world of construction, safety is paramount. Every precaution is taken to ensure the well-being of workers in a high-risk environment. However, there's a subtle danger that often goes unnoticed – the humble drawstring on hooded sweatshirts, or “hoodies” as we all call them. While these may seem harmless, they can pose significant hazards when worn on construction sites. In this blog, we'll explore the potential dangers of drawstrings on hoodies and why they should be avoided in the construction industry.

Caught-in Accidents:

One of the primary dangers of drawstrings on hoodies is the risk of being caught in machinery or equipment. In the fast-paced world of construction, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Loose drawstrings can easily get entangled in moving parts of heavy machinery, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. These could include severe lacerations to the face and neck and/or suffociation.

The knowledge of the hazards of drawstrings on hoodies is not limited to contruction. One report on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Website says this:

The children's sweatshirts have a drawstring in the hood that can become entangled or caught on objects, posing a strangulation hazard to children.

Entanglement Risk:

Drawstrings can also pose a risk of entanglement with other objects or materials on the construction site. Whether it's scaffolding, tools, or protruding structures, loose drawstrings can snag on these hazards, causing workers to lose balance, trip, or become entangled, leading to accidents and injuries.

Preventing Drawstring Hazards:

Given the potential dangers associated with drawstrings on hoodies, it's crucial to take proactive measures to prevent these hazards:

• Choose Workwear Wisely: Opt for work attire that eliminates drawstrings altogether or includes a non-removable, shortened drawstring that minimizes entanglement risks.

• Regular Inspections: Workers and supervisors should regularly inspect attire for any loose or frayed drawstrings, addressing them promptly to avoid potential accidents.

• Safety Training: Provide training to workers about the risks of drawstrings and the importance of keeping them secured while on the job.

In conclusion, while hoodies are comfortable and practical for outdoor work, the drawstrings they often feature can introduce a range of unexpected hazards, including caught-in accidents, entanglement, and suffocation risks. In the construction industry, where safety should always be an essential priority, it is critical to recognize and mitigate these dangers by selecting appropriate work attire and implementing safety protocols. By doing so, we can ensure that workers remain safe while they build the future.

If you are interested in a simple and effective way to upgrade your safety culture, reach out to me for a 30-day free trial of our video toolbox talks service.

As always, thank you for all you do for safety and I’ll see you out there!

Seth (Aka Safety Culture Pro)