Even though employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their staff regardless of their occupation or industry, it is advisable that every single person that steps foot onto a construction site be aware of the risks associated with the job and how to avoid them with their knowledge of construction site safety.
Working on a construction site can invite any number of hazards. Construction workers are exposed to a high-risk environment. From slips to trips, and falls, multiple instances can result in an industrial injury.
Employers need to do all they can to mitigate safety hazards in favor of construction workers. At the same time, workers need to keep in mind they are also responsible for their safety when working in such dangerous conditions. Below are some safety practices that should be practised on every construction site.
- Create Awareness
Construction workers are exposed to dangers and risks that can lead to injury or death. Some of the risks a construction staff might experience include falls from high-rise buildings, machine malfunctioning, electrocution, falling objects, and structural collapses just to name a few.
Before any worker — irrespective of their position or experience can set foot on a construction site, they must be fully informed of the possible hazards. Inexperienced workers have the highest possibility in any industry to be exposed to danger. Their innocent mistakes can put everyone else at risk.
It is the responsibility of or the project manager or construction manager to ensure that workers are aware of the dangers associated with their work. If possible, a seminar should be organized for workers so they can know what to come to work with.
- Ensure Employees Wear The Correct Protective Gear
Personal protective equipment commonly referred to as “PPE” should be worn correctly and at all times when on-site to minimize exposure to hazards.
They help prevent unnecessary injuries and illnesses that may result from contact with chemical, physical, electrical, or mechanical equipment. Hence, employers should provide construction workers with the appropriate PPE relative to the type of work being carried out.
There are consequences for employers if their workers don’t wear PPEs and get injured onsite. If you’re a victim of such incidents, search for accident lawyers in your work district of Indiana work zone accident lawyer if you stay in the area. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs, hard hats, vests, ear protection, safety goggles, knee pads, and coveralls.
Do well to ensure your workers have them worn and if they become unfit for work, they need to be replaced immediately.
- Health & Safety Training
As technology advances, work methods and strategies improve. With it comes the need for construction workers to align with these changes in terms of knowledge, skills, values, and abilities.
Construction workers operating in high and medium-risk environments are required to have enough training in construction health and safety.
Workers need not be only fully competent but also aware of the risks associated with their actions, especially when working at strategic heights with construction machines or in confined spaces. Getting employees exposed to relevant and consistent training can help companies record a minimal number of injuries in the workplace.
- Display Clear Signage
It’s important to highlight any potential hazards with signs and posters, warning everyone nearby to take precautions since hazards are not just for workers but for the public too.
That’s why safety signage is a requirement on all construction sites. Highly visible construction site signage should be placed to help prevent injuries on-site and ensure that all staff and visitors are aware of any dangerous hazards.
- Communication/Documentation
Accidents are more likely to occur when workers are unsure of what to expect. Safety briefing with the day’s goals and activities will not only make the project go faster but also keep abreast with any surprises that might cause bodily harm.
There are legal documentation construction companies need to begin building including proper registrations and work permits. Do well to have all of them.
These simple preventive measures can be easily overlooked but they can increase the chance of on-site injury if taken lightly. Every construction site must have an active supervisor who is willing and capable of enforcing safety standards with no exceptions. Proper construction equipment ensures that there is at least some level of construction site safety within the construction firm.
If you have experienced a construction site injury, you need to inform the right offices or get a lawyer so preventive measures might be in place to avoid future occurrences.