4 answers
Magali
Student
Mendota, California
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What is the injury rate for civil engineers?
Hi my name is Magali, a student at San Jose Job Corps and I'm interested in becoming in civil engineer. Thank you for your answers.
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4 answers
Vern Novstrup
Environmental Engineer
30
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Vern’s Answer
Injury rates for most civil engineers will be comparable to injury rates for people working in an office setting. Although construction settings may have a somewhat higher injury rate, it is important to point out that a significant part of any engineer's job is safety planning and enforcement of safety procedures for people that are working for and with them. This means that engineers need to always enforce a culture of safety and work hard to be a good example in a field setting.
Luke Garrett
M&A Consulting
46
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Luke’s Answer
I worked in an office 99% of the time.
A few times I went in the field I was on the shoulder of an expressway where cars are traveling 75-90 mph which isn't very comfortable. Other occasions I was on site but it was for site design so no vehicles, cranes, machinery - no risk there. Another example is I did construction inspections for a summer and I was around a backhoe all day - low risk because there weren't other moving parts, just this one backhoe.
So in general very low risk being a design engineer. If you're in the field just be alert and if you're uncomfortable doing something, speak with your boss to agree on a way that you can do a field visit while feeling safe.
A few times I went in the field I was on the shoulder of an expressway where cars are traveling 75-90 mph which isn't very comfortable. Other occasions I was on site but it was for site design so no vehicles, cranes, machinery - no risk there. Another example is I did construction inspections for a summer and I was around a backhoe all day - low risk because there weren't other moving parts, just this one backhoe.
So in general very low risk being a design engineer. If you're in the field just be alert and if you're uncomfortable doing something, speak with your boss to agree on a way that you can do a field visit while feeling safe.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Magali,
Understanding the Risk of Injuries for Civil Engineers
The risk of injuries for civil engineers can fluctuate based on their specific work environment, the safety precautions in place, and the nature of their projects. Civil engineering, a profession that encompasses the design, construction, and maintenance of structures such as buildings, bridges, roads, and dams, can expose engineers to potential hazards. These hazards can lead to injuries if safety guidelines are not strictly adhered to.
Key Factors Influencing Injury Risks for Civil Engineers:
Work Environment: Civil engineers operate in diverse settings, including construction sites, offices, or labs. Construction sites, in particular, pose a higher risk of injuries due to elements like heavy machinery, working at elevated heights, and exposure to hazardous substances.
Project Nature: The kind of projects civil engineers undertake can also affect their injury risks. Projects involving intricate structures, difficult terrains, or stringent deadlines may escalate the probability of accidents.
Safety Precautions: Strict adherence to safety regulations and protocols is vital in reducing injury risks for civil engineers. Adequate training, the use of personal protective gear, regular safety checks, and emergency response plans can all contribute to a safer work environment.
Statistics on Injury Risks for Civil Engineers:
While exact data on injury risks for civil engineers might differ by region and industry, it's important to acknowledge that the construction industry is recognized as a high-risk sector for workplace injuries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that construction-related occupations consistently rank among the top industries for workplace injuries and fatalities.
Civil engineers in construction-related roles might face hazards such as falls, being hit by objects, exposure to harmful substances, and ergonomic issues. It's crucial for employers and employees in civil engineering to prioritize safety precautions and foster a culture of workplace safety to decrease injury incidents.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers extensive data on occupational injury risks across various industries, including construction and engineering sectors.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA establishes and enforces standards to guarantee safe and healthy working conditions for workers. Their guidelines play a key role in advancing workplace safety for civil engineers.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): ASCE provides resources and information on best practices for civil engineering professionals, including advice on safety protocols to prevent injuries in the field.
These sources were invaluable in offering trustworthy information on injury risks for civil engineers and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety in the workplace.
Stay safe and blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Understanding the Risk of Injuries for Civil Engineers
The risk of injuries for civil engineers can fluctuate based on their specific work environment, the safety precautions in place, and the nature of their projects. Civil engineering, a profession that encompasses the design, construction, and maintenance of structures such as buildings, bridges, roads, and dams, can expose engineers to potential hazards. These hazards can lead to injuries if safety guidelines are not strictly adhered to.
Key Factors Influencing Injury Risks for Civil Engineers:
Work Environment: Civil engineers operate in diverse settings, including construction sites, offices, or labs. Construction sites, in particular, pose a higher risk of injuries due to elements like heavy machinery, working at elevated heights, and exposure to hazardous substances.
Project Nature: The kind of projects civil engineers undertake can also affect their injury risks. Projects involving intricate structures, difficult terrains, or stringent deadlines may escalate the probability of accidents.
Safety Precautions: Strict adherence to safety regulations and protocols is vital in reducing injury risks for civil engineers. Adequate training, the use of personal protective gear, regular safety checks, and emergency response plans can all contribute to a safer work environment.
Statistics on Injury Risks for Civil Engineers:
While exact data on injury risks for civil engineers might differ by region and industry, it's important to acknowledge that the construction industry is recognized as a high-risk sector for workplace injuries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that construction-related occupations consistently rank among the top industries for workplace injuries and fatalities.
Civil engineers in construction-related roles might face hazards such as falls, being hit by objects, exposure to harmful substances, and ergonomic issues. It's crucial for employers and employees in civil engineering to prioritize safety precautions and foster a culture of workplace safety to decrease injury incidents.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers extensive data on occupational injury risks across various industries, including construction and engineering sectors.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA establishes and enforces standards to guarantee safe and healthy working conditions for workers. Their guidelines play a key role in advancing workplace safety for civil engineers.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): ASCE provides resources and information on best practices for civil engineering professionals, including advice on safety protocols to prevent injuries in the field.
These sources were invaluable in offering trustworthy information on injury risks for civil engineers and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety in the workplace.
Stay safe and blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Nick Carlson
structural engineer
8
Answers
Rockaway, New Jersey
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Most civil engineers work in a typical corporate office setting, so the injury rate is very low. Civil engineers generally don't work directly with construction equipment or heavy machinery, even when they're on a construction site.
If you are working on a construction site, you will be provided with the necessary personal protection equipment to keep you safe, and briefed on safety policies like equipment lock-out for when you need to enter restricted areas.
If you are working on a construction site, you will be provided with the necessary personal protection equipment to keep you safe, and briefed on safety policies like equipment lock-out for when you need to enter restricted areas.