Construction workers are always at risk of injury while working on a construction site. The severity of injuries on a construction site varies, but all injuries can affect a contractor's ability to earn. This article discusses some of the most important safety tips for construction workers in 2022.
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Importance of understanding construction safety
Construction safety is important to save time and money by avoiding injuries, accidents, and potential health hazards. Accidents and injuries on-site can increase overhead and delays, increasing the project's cost. Besides, ensuring safety reduces the chance of a lawsuit.
Understanding construction safety not only protects workers but also keeps the public safe, especially when the site is located in a busy area accessible to the public.
Understanding construction safety can significantly reduce work-related injuries and accidents. Some accidents may be fatal or cause permanent disabilities.
Finally, understanding construction safety ensures compliance with OSHA requirements. Non-compliance puts construction companies at risk of litigation and avoidable penalties.
Wear the appropriate clothing
All construction workers and visitors should wear the required PPE to reduce site injuries and hazards. PPEs include helmets, high-visibility vests and suits, goggles, earmuffs, plugs, boots, and gloves.
Wearing appropriate clothing is the easiest way to ensure safety on a construction site. It may seem common sense to wear appropriate clothing while working on a construction site, but construction workers do not always do it.
Construction workers must have reinforced boots or shoes for adequate protection.
Provide/follow instructions
Contractors must provide clear instructions because each site has its unique hazards and operations. All workers on site must know what is happening to work safely.
The contractor must ensure a risk assessment is done for all work activities. The risk assessment informs construction safety signs and procedures. The safety procedures must be communicated during induction.
Acknowledge signs
Safety signs are useful on construction sites to raise health and safety awareness among workers and visitors. Signs should be strategically placed for visibility. Workers should acknowledge the signs such as mandatory, prohibition, warning, fire equipment, and safe condition signs.
Stay tidy and organized.
Keeping the construction site tidy and organized is important to avoid accidents caused by trips and slips. Clear away any stagnant water, debris, loose nails, and dust. A tidy and organized work area is important in reducing the risk of injury.
Unclean work areas are common on construction sites and may cause accidents. Staying tidy and organized is time-consuming but encouraged nonetheless. The process typically involves drying out spaces, cleaning spills, and removing waste.
Tools should not be left lying around. Power tools and lights must be unplugged. Organizing and storing tools prevents damage to tools and injury to workers. It also allows for easy navigation of the site.
Check tools and equipment.
All tools and equipment should be free of damage before use. Check all tools before use for defects. Ensure that you are using machinery correctly to reduce the chances of injury while getting on and off. Workers should have a good grip before getting on and off heavy machinery.
Use the correct equipment.
Construction sites are prone to accidents due to misuse of equipment. Ensure you are using the right tool for the job to avoid wasting time and ensure safety. Do not use makeshift tools.
Report any potential issues with equipment to prevent injuries to the construction workers. Ensure that all power supplies and electrical tools are in good condition before use.
Ensure training is put in place
Workers must be trained to spot and report defects on the site immediately. The management can only solve problems when they are aware of them. Early reporting of issues helps prevent further damage and minimize accidents.
Create an emergency plan
Create an emergency plan to direct workers and visitors in emergencies like a fire, natural disasters, and hazardous material spills. Having a designated emergency response team to manage crises and report potential hazards, near misses, and quality issues are important.
Set up safeguards
Placing safeguards, barriers, and fences on site can help ensure safety. Safeguards protect people from hazardous areas such as chemical storage or high-voltage electricity.
Personal safety devices
Personal safety devices are a necessary extra precaution for contractors. Personal safety devices include cell phones and radios that can be used to communicate in case of a fall or injury. Personal safety devices should have emergency contact information to ensure that help arrives as soon as possible.
Summary
Construction safety tips are critical for contractors because they reduce injuries on site and reduce indirect issues due to injury. Indirect issues from on-site injuries include insurance rate hikes and surety bond claims. All construction personnel should review these safety tips before the next project.
