Working in the construction industry comes in many forms, from small-scale home extensions to large development projects and infrastructure projects.
Despite a decrease in the number of construction site injuries over the past ten years, it’s still considered a high-risk industry. Construction workers are legally required to be covered by their company’s insurance, but that doesn’t prevent injuries from happening. Construction firms are required to have safety procedures in place to minimise risk. Whether workers are installing PVC waterstops in concrete joints or a panel lights in the ceiling, consider these tips for site safety.
Conduct proper training as needed.
Incorporate safety procedures into your site management plan, and make sure new workers are given a safety brief before they start on site. Update workers with any new safety procedures, particularly if the rules had to be changed because of a hazard that wasn’t considered. Make sure operatives are properly trained before operating vehicles and equipment.
Wear the right gear.
Gloves, goggles, jumpsuits, boots and hardhats ‒ these are all types of safety gear used on site. Strictly assign areas where safety gear is required and make sure it’s followed.
Clear the work area of clutter.
It may be difficult to always keep a construction site clean because of the debris and restrictive space for storing building materials. But you can hire skips and set aside areas for tools and equipment when not in use.
Safety and emergency kits must always be accessible.
Emergency kits, including first aid and fire-fighting equipment, need to be readily available, easily accessible and clearly marked. If the site is a multi-level structure, each level must have an emergency kit.
Designate lanes for equipment and people.
Getting hit by moving equipment is a common cause of injury in construction. Designate lanes or areas where only construction vehicles are allowed to minimise the number of people in that area.
The safety of your workers is a top priority ‒ not only legally, but for team morale.