Workers safety in construction
The construction industry can be a rewarding, well paid, and fulfilling job but at the same time it can be unsafe if you do not take the necessary precaution. Hazards such as dealing with height, noise, dust, heavy equipment, electrical tools, and excavation are what the worker faces on a construction site.
Safety awareness should start with the building company who needs to make sure its employees are working in the safest environment possible, and they should take further steps to keep the workers safe during the construction time. In doing so, responsible employers can avoid injuries or even death on site.
Here are a couple of things the company can do to improve safety on the site:
- Safety training provided to all on-site personnel.
- Personal protective equipment, safety equipment, and gear should be made available to the workers.
- Keep up to date with the occupation safety and health administration, by letting safety inspectors inspect and provide recommendations.
- Prepare everyone for emergencies.
After the responsible employer has followed all the necessary safety procedures needed for the construction site, it is up to the worker to follow the rules and keep by the safety measurements to prevent themselves from work accidents.
Inspect the working area
Identify and notify the managers of any possible dangers on the site before the construction begins.
Check the equipment
Before using any equipment make sure they function properly, ladders, for example, should not be wobbly and they should be able to be secured on the ground by itself or with the help of a fellow worker. Do not operate any heavy equipment or small tools if they have unusual noises or jerky movements until they have not been repaired or replaced.
Hazardous Materials
Have a material safety data sheet at hand for reference when working with new chemicals or building materials. After use, store material in proper containers in a safe location and label it according to so that the next worker is informed.
During the job
Always use the safety equipment and protective gear which was provided by the employer. Harnesses are a great precaution when doing roof or scaffold work. Helmets, protective eyewear, ear plugs, anti-slip footwear, masks, and gloves are some essential gear that should be provided by the employer.
Awareness at all times
It is important that when the worker shows up for work that he is consciously aware of the working surrounding at all times. When there is a heavy load suspending above, it would be wise not to stand underneath. Check to see if, the cabals are protected, away from water and given an earth leakage circuit breaker to prevent electrical accidents. Heavy lifting is another thing that can cause back injuries if you are not aware of the weight of materials or you when you lack the knowledge of how to do the correct lifting, check with your supervisors if you are not sure.
Be prepared
Injuries can happen to anyone attending the site, and therefore it is good to know what to do in case of such an unfortunate situation. Knowing where the first aid kit is, who to call and the right steps to take during an emergency to help someone else or yourself. Workers need to know the escape and exit route in case of fires as well as where to find and use the fire extinguishers.
After hours
When it is time to go home, you should take care that the construction site is not a danger to the public. During working hours it is best to begin by barricading the building site, and when you leave the site, it is best to lock all entries.
Basic safety precautions should always be kept to or changed accordingly as each location and operation can differ, therefore safety precautions might change with each new site. Being aware of the possible emergencies or hazards that can come about will help your team to adapt their safety measurements accordingly.
