The construction site is full of possible hazards, and workers there can suffer various injuries. The need for productivity and quick delivery of projects often results in cutting corners when it comes to ensuring the safety of the construction workers. Although plenty of publications and guidelines are in place to ensure safety, many accidents have been reported in the industry. In this article, we will look at seven essential tips that can enhance the safety of workers at the construction site.
The construction site is filled with machinery and moving parts that add to the dangers of working at such a site. In this scenario, safety becomes a critical aspect that regulators stress and contractors try to achieve through various measures. Increasing the safety of working conditions of employees leads to higher productivity and peace of mind that ultimately results in the timely delivery of the project. It is essential that contractors and employees both play their part in making the construction site safe for everyone so that the construction activities can continue without any fatalities or near misses.
1. Wear Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Worker safety is paramount for any contractor, and to ensure each worker is protected the best they can, adhering to a regime where wearing PPE is mandatory is a must. As the name suggests, personal protective equipment helps employees avoid injuries due to the numerous hazards present at a construction work site. These may include falling objects or sharp objects such as nails or sharp objects lying on the ground. Wearing a hard hat or helmet helps you stay safe from falling objects, if any, and wearing safety shoes saves you from these sharp objects lying around. Moreover, you can wear safety goggles, gloves, and reflective vests to avoid certain hazards.
2. Receive Proper Training
The second most important thing that ensures the safety of workers at a construction site is that they’re adequately trained and well-versed in basic safety training. Your colleagues and your site’s safety depend on your actions as an employee. You can indulge in unsafe behavior, taking risks and thus posing a hazard to those around you, or you can abide by the safety regulations of the site and be an asset to the team. You must do the latter and understand the risks of unsafe behavior and its consequences. Regular training and refresher camps regarding safety protocols can benefit the employees.
3. Follow Safety Procedures
Safety procedures come in diverse forms. They can be related to fire exits during emergencies, or they could ask you not to smoke in a particular area. Whatever the safety procedure and guidelines, an employee must follow these guidelines in earnest. As these guidelines are for your safety, it’s best not to ignore them. Otherwise, there could be dire consequences. According to Pumper Supplies, following safety procedures is not limited to employees; employers must also follow these guidelines and ensure that adequate facilities, such as the bathroom, are available on site. A seemingly innocuous thing can lead to injuries as employees hold on going to the restrooms, which can cause health issues such as UTI, later.
4. Fall Protection
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounts for the largest share of fall-related injuries and deaths in 2021. A construction site may require workers to work at considerable heights, increasing the risk of falls. Ensuring you don’t fall during your site commitments is possible if you follow all safety protocols, including harness protection and installing safety nets and guardrails.
5. Communication
Effective communication is the key to achieving your goals and timely delivery of projects. When it comes to the safety of employees at a site, communicating clearly and timely avoids injuries and raises awareness of hazards around you. You should always be aware of your surroundings and communicate with others if you see a hazard or potential safety lapse.
6. Keep Work Areas Clean and Organized
Keeping the construction site clean and uncluttered prevents many unwanted injuries. Sharp objects such as nails and metal clippings can cause injuries to the foot. Maintaining a clean construction site should be the priority of any construction manager as it reduces the number of hazards on the site.
7. Be Aware of Heavy Machinery
Construction sites often involve heavy machinery and equipment. You should always be alert when working around these machines as they pose significant risks. Only go near such machines if you are required to be there. If you need to operate such machines, you must have the requisite training to operate such machines safely.
The primary giveaway from the abovementioned tips is that safety is a team effort and requires all stakeholders to contribute to maintaining safe working conditions. Wearing PPE, following safety procedures and guidelines, and partaking in proper machinery training go a long way in assuring such a safe environment. Employers must arrange such safety training, emulate safety procedures, and, more importantly, implement those procedures to avoid any mishaps on the construction site.