IMPROVE CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY
In most workplaces, we can all agree that accidents are a nuisance for the worker and a headache for HR. However, accidents at construction sites can have the potential to be life threatening.
The employers are required to mitigate safety hazards to construction workers, but the workers are also responsible to be precautions when working in hazardous conditions.
Below are eight ways construction businesses can reduce workplace accidents.
- Awareness
Before any worker, no matter his or her role or experience level, can set foot on a construction site, he or she must be fully conscious of the possible hazards. Ignorant workers are perhaps the biggest dangers in any industry, as their unknowing mistakes put everyone else at risk. Understanding of potential threats at hand and sustaining a perpetual state of alertness is the number-one best way to prevent accidents.
- Training
Although most of a construction worker’s skills can be gained on the job, safety is one skill set that should be learned before they enter the construction site. Experienced workers should be expected to refresh their knowledge of standard safety by attending regular training sessions throughout the year.
- Communication
Accidents are more likely to occur when workers are unsure on what they could expect while at the job. Direct communication regarding the day’s goals and activities will cut down on surprises that could cause bodily harm.
- Documentation
There are some legal obstacles most construction companies must jump through to begin building, and it is essential that all proper registrations and licenses are earned before work begins. Supervisors and contractors who will be charged with particularly difficult tasks, like blasting, certainly should provide evidence of their certification well in advance of their employment on the job site. Not only does this prevent accidents due to improper training, but it protects the construction firm from legal action and public scrutiny.
- Proper Equipment
Construction workers equipped with improper gear are bound to make fatal errors. Not only should each piece of equipment on the job site be ideally suited to the task at hand, but construction companies must make certain that all machinery and material are well maintained.
Construction companies must also consider equipment that doesn’t directly contribute to the construction project. Workers should have plenty of water on-site as well as a shady place to prevent dehydration and exposure-related illnesses. Longer construction projects may even benefit from fabric structures to store equipment and cover incomplete sites.
- Supervision
Ideally, construction workers would fully understand the ramifications of inadequate safety precautions and thus act in a manner to ensure site-wide well-being. Every site must have a strong supervisor who is willing and capable of enforcing safety standards with no exceptions. This foreman must keep tabs on all employees throughout the day and correct those who fail to commit to proper safety procedures.
- Innovation
The accident rate would be even higher than it is today if it were not for the construction companies willing to devote extra resources to keep their employees safe. The development of new practices that will enhance security should always be encouraged, and companies should avoid speaking against legislation aimed at improving safety protocols. Perhaps with enough innovation, all construction sites can be 100 percent accident-free.
- Transparency
The worst thing any construction company can do for its reputation is attempting a cover-up. Hiding accidents from the press and the public not only lowers the opinion of a single endeavor, it paints the building industry in a negative light. Ultimately, people understand that accidents happen, and if contractors are doing their best to foster a safe environment for their workers, any accidents that do occur will only contribute to the growing need to augment modern safety techniques.
Implementing these eight ways to reduce workplace accidents, will help construction become a safer industry in which to work.