There’s no doubt that working on construction sites is hazardous. Due to the work’s nature and ongoing construction safety hazards, accidents are probable off- and on-site.
For this reason, it’s critical for employers and employees to understand the risks associated with construction jobs to prevent site accidents. By keeping the following strategies in mind, you can prevent building construction site accidents and ensure a safer and better work environment:
1. Provide Safety Training
Every manager and employee must be knowledgeable about workplace safety standards. With Radify and safety inspection training, everyone involved in construction jobs will be familiar with the possible hazards that may happen on the worksite.
Every employer must have a written safety policy, which includes:
-
- Emergency protocols
- Safety procedures
- Location and name of the trained first aid responders
- Instructions for proper equipment and machinery operation
- When and how to call for help if somebody is injured
- Awareness of the possible hazards, especially when dealing with dangerous chemicals
Other than the written policy, employees must be provided with demonstrations and hands-on training on how to handle equipment and chemicals that could be expected to be used at work.
2. Provide Proper Care And Maintenance To Tools And Equipment
All machinery or equipment you use in your construction project must be properly cared for and maintained. Ensure that they’re in working order to avoid accidents. For example, malfunctioning gear and broken parts may also cause death and serious injuries. So, be sure to include your tools and machinery in your regular inspection schedules.
3. Use Safety Gear
Since construction site accidents happen even with safety measures, it’s crucial to wear safety gear like personal protection equipment (PPE). Generally, the basic safety gear for building construction sites includes steel-toed boots, hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection, and harnesses. In other cases, it might also be necessary to wear gloves and masks.
4. Perform Risk Assessments Regularly
Unsafe conditions may result in construction site accidents and halt the project’s progress. To prevent this, it’s vital to perform real risk assessments to determine what precautions and protocols must get adopted.
During the assessment, find possible hazards in the workplace and provide a description. Then, make a risk rating system and detail every issue with notes and pictures. A risk assessment can effectively help prevent construction site accidents when done properly.
5. Minimize Night Work
Dark environments and late work hours can increase the probability of accidents on a construction site. If possible, lessen the amount of night work. One of the reasons accidents increase at night include fatigue since people experience reduced visibility at night and less alert after midnight. This can result in more accidents that can be avoided once you limit night work duties.
6. Make Warning Signs Visible
Using warning signs is essential because they remind employees about the hazardous environment, enabling them to prevent possible site accidents. Therefore, ensure that all your warning signs are clearly visible and known by your workers.
Improper placement of warning signs can cause danger for everybody involved in the construction project. In addition, not labeling the construction site properly may cause falling, slipping, and other potential accidents.
7. Keep The Construction Site Clean
Keeping the work areas free of debris and clean will reduce the chances of worker injuries and help prevent accidents, such as falls, trips, and slips. Employees must store materials and tools after working hours. Walkways must also be kept clear of debris to avoid accidents involving falls and slips. Additionally, you might want to rent a small construction dumpster to efficiently manage waste and keep the site organized, which can further help maintain a safe environment for all workers.
8. Daily Safety Meetings
Employees should be briefed about various safety measures in every specific worksite. As the construction project continues, hazards are inevitable. It’s up to the team leaders and project managers to ensure that everybody on the job site is given proper instruction and aware of the changing regulations.
Holding safety meetings ensures that everybody is on the same page and updated. Employees must also be told to keep safety as their primary concern. Such meetings must also reiterate safety and health standards as well as proper risk assessment. If necessary, work with professionals to help you improve workplace safety on your construction site.
9. Allow Regular Breaks
Not taking proper breaks and working too long may cause workers to suffer from fatigue and experience overexertion. Frequent breaks enable workers to re-energize by eating snacks, drinking fluids, and resting. These help them stay alert and focused, preventing fatigue and possible mistakes that may happen due to exhaustion in construction projects.
Conclusion
Construction site accidents are inevitable, but it’s possible to prevent them. Following the guidelines set by the authorized organization in your region and using your common sense can make a difference in lessening the possible accidents that may happen on the construction sites. Moreover, consistently practicing the above tips will help establish a culture of teamwork among all workers, which can be beneficial to ensuring a safer work environment for everyone.