Working in a construction site exposes its workers to many dangers, and is regarded as one of the most dangerous job roles in the U.S.
The construction industry accounts for almost 11.2 million jobs, which translates to 11.2 million people who are at risk of getting into an accident at the workplace.
Accidents don’t just set back project progress; according to these crane accident attorneys, they also lead to hefty fines and legal liability that could cost your company or client a lot of money.
Here are some safety precautions that can help you avoid such a scenario.
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Safety Gear for All on-site Personnel
Having your personnel wear the correct personal protective equipment can mean the difference between sustaining a minor injury or a long-term disability, or even death.
It’s not enough to provide your employees with PPE that is relative to the roles they perform.
Their PPE also needs to be in good condition and they need to be worn at all times while inside the construction site.
Some examples of standard construction site PPE are hardhats, safety goggles, knee pads, safety jackets, and ear protection.
Proper Scaffolding Construction and Maintenance
Scaffolding is important for any construction project, as they enable workers to gain access to the part of the building they are working on and preventing loose waste from falling on workers below.
Scaffolding needs to be constructed on stable ground with solid footing to keep it from collapsing. They also need to be inspected regularly and workers need to undergo scaffolding safety training.
Up-to-date Health, Safety, and Operations Training
Construction workers are more than just muscle. They should be regarded as skilled workers and they should be made aware of the risks associated with their individual actions in the workplace.
It’s important to train them on health protocols, first-aid, and on the operation of the machinery they are assigned to.
Using Clear Signs
Construction sites are as much a danger to the public as they are to workers.
Signs are a cost-efficient and effective way to minimize the risk of accidents by highlighting the hazards around your construction site.
Some dangers that ought to be pointed out are: falling objects, roadworks, presence of noxious chemicals, and heavy equipment at work.
Hazards signs need to be large, legible, and they must have reflective sidings for increased visibility at night. Putting up danger signs is also done in fulfillment of your duty to warn.
Regular Tool and Equipment Inspection
Tools that are heavily worn or broken pose a significant risk of serious injury, as they are likely to malfunction while being used. Every tool and piece of equipment can become a danger.
A hammer’s head can easily become a projectile if its handle breaks as it strikes an object, and a wrecking ball can come loose and cause all sorts of damage.
Always have your workers inspect their tools and equipment before starting work as even with preventive maintenance, there are so many factors that can aggravate the wear and tear of tools and equipment.
Proper Heavy Equipment Storage
Contrary to popular belief, heavy equipment can’t withstand exposure to rain, dirt, and snow.
While these machines are made to do heavy lifting, they are made of many components that are vulnerable to the elements.
Rust is particularly dangerous because excessive oxidation will significantly affect the structural integrity of your heavy machinery.
Wet wires can also cause a slew of mechanical malfunctions and they may even start electrical fires.
Always keep your storage area clean and make sure that your heavy equipment is thoroughly cleaned and protected from extreme temperatures and pests.
Effective Communication
Communication is essential in any construction project because this helps facilitate coordination among and between construction teams and this allows them to identify potential risks.
Effective communication goes beyond knowing how to use a radio to pursue a concerted effort. It extends to staff meetings, progress reports, and hazards (including near-misses).
Communication is key to collecting information, which is important in improving the safety conditions of your construction site.
Workers should be asked regularly about what they think could make the project safer as they are the people who know exactly what the site is like on their end.
Construction safety not only minimizes the risk of injury to the public, but it also minimizes the risk of construction-related injuries.
While there’s rarely a construction site that’s accident-free, minimizing the risk of accidents is well worth the time and effort considering the hefty fines and legal troubles you could face if you neglect construction safety.
