Operating a construction site is risky by nature and that’s why superintendents, project managers, and other leaders shroud do everything they can to protect it. Implementing safety programs helps protect both the workers and employers but it is also necessary to keep jobs on track.
By reducing the number of unsafe working conditions and on-site injuries, your workers will be able to focus on the job, improving overall productivity and morale. In addition, by making job site safety a priority and avoiding injuries and fatalities, you’ll ensure that your construction projects finish on time and protect your firm from potential lawsuits.
If, on the other hand, an issue does strike, it could affect the project’s estimated completion date, contributing to decreased customer satisfaction and lowered profitability. Construction hazards can also lead to damages that are expensive and time-consuming to fix.
The Most Common Construction Safety Hazards
Some of the most common risks on a construction job site include:
- Falls from great heights
- Ladder or scaffolding collapse
- Trench or excavation collapse
- Not using proper equipment
- Electrical hazards
- Hearing damage resulting from exposure to loud noise
- Theft, water damage, and fire
Fortunately, there are ways to safeguard against them by following these 5 tips.
From our partners:
5 Tips to Make Sure Your Construction Job Site Stays Protected
01. Using Proper Equipment
Construction workers using improper equipment are more likely to get injured or make a fatal error. When it comes to protecting workers on the job site, construction safety equipment is an efficient and economical option. Construction safety items such as helmets, safety footwear, gloves, wheel chocks, etc. protect workers against serious accidents and injuries.
Construction companies should make sure that each piece of equipment is adequate for the task at hand, and check regularly if the material and machinery are well maintained.
In addition, they should consider the equipment that doesn’t directly contribute to the construction project. For instance, workers should always have a shady place and enough water in order to prevent dehydration and exposure-related illnesses. If the project lasts longer, consider using fabric structures to cover incomplete sites and store equipment.
02. Clear Communication
Without clear and transparent communication between everyone working on the job site, workers won’t know what to expect. And when workers are not sure of what to expect, the likelihood of accidents increases. The best way to avoid unwanted surprises and make sure everyone is kept in the loop is by holding direct discussions about the day’s activities and goals.
Open communication will not only help the project move faster but will also ensure that every person working on the site is informed and understands construction site safety.
03. Regular Training
It’s best for workers to learn about safety before entering the job site. Even the most experienced ones should renew their knowledge of standard construction site safety from time to time by attending training sessions on a regular basis.
The aim of these training sessions is to ensure that everyone knows what safety measure is required in case of an incident. In addition, workers should be able to practice safety skills on-site to help them enforce the safety rules in a real-life environment and ensure that they’re well trained.
04. Strong Supervision
Every construction job site should have a supervisor who’s capable and willing to enforce safety standards, who will keep tabs on all workers, and correct the ones who don’t follow the safety procedures.
Construction projects where safety is a key issue should also have construction site safety supervision. This type of supervision provides independent monitoring of construction activities, detects potential hazards on time, and allows the construction company to create response and mitigation plans in order to reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure a safe working environment for everyone.
05. Proper Documentation
In order to enforce job site safety, the construction company should have adequate documentation of everything that’s going to be done on the job site, as well as proper licenses and registrations before work commences. In addition, the contractors and supervisors who will be in charge of difficult tasks should have adequate certification.
This will not only prevent accidents resulting from inadequate training but also protects the employer from legal action.
Final Thoughts
Construction site safety should be a top priority for all employers and construction workers. Using these five tips, you can reduce the risk to your workers, as well as the likelihood of potential claims against your business.
From our partners:
