Safety is of utmost priority in almost every aspect of work. In some types of businesses, it is a major concern as it can lead to disastrous results. One such industry is the construction business. More and more construction businesses are employing maintenance departments that can overlook the safety of the workers and ensure that all machinery and equipment are safe to use. They are constantly improvising safety guidelines to improve productivity.
Accidents at construction sites can halt the progress as well as cost financial losses. By making sure the right measurements are taken overall cost of construction can be reduced. Many companies provide accident prevention programs that help contractors organize the cost borne by accidents in comparison to the cost invested in accident prevention.
There are four essential safety measures that can be taken to prevent job site injuries or accidents.
- Create Awareness
The possible hazards that a worker can face in the construction site should be explained to them before they start. They should be aware of the types of accidents like understanding the difference between active vs passive fall protection, fall prevention, etc. Ignorant workers can be the biggest danger to the site. Not only can they harm themselves but also risk the lives of other people. By informing them of the things that could go wrong, they are more alert in what they are doing and also know the process if there is an accident.
This is the responsibility of the construction personnel to ensure that all workers are aware of the dangers as well as clearly explain how different safety gear is essential to them. Ensuring the safety of the worker is the key role of their supervisor and failing to do so will cost both lives and the reputation of the construction company.
- Training of Workers
This s not a once-a-work lifetime training but a rather recurring one. Safety is a skill that is learned over time especially on the construction site. Training new and existing workers through standard safety and security measures consistently will make them remember and refresh their memory consistently. This can be done in several ways. There are many training videos also available which explain different situations and how to handle them. Worksheets, pamphlets, and even on-site training can be used as a method of awareness.
Experienced workers also need to refresh their knowledge of standard safety procedures regularly. Training can be on simple topics like fall protection, usage of ladders, and safety gear uses. The goal at all times is to make sure that everyone knows the correct and right safety measures and actions to take in case of an accident. Failures to do so can cause severe injuries or fatalities which can be economically and socially damaging for the company.
- Clear Instructions
To make sure that the construction site is safe, the supervisor needs to make sure that clear instructions are documented and provided for all the activities that take place on the site. Also, these are necessary to be provided for legal approvals. Many countries have strict rules and regulations that must be followed for the construction company to even get a license or approval to start. Activities that require the workers to be involved on-site which can be fatal like blasting required proper professionals who can lay out a map wherein complete safety is assured.
Also in case there is an accident, that too should be documented and not be kept hidden. By doing this they assure that the worker rights are met as well as prevent any future legal actions that can be taken against them. A well-documented accident, precautions are taken, etc will help the company give clear details of what happened and keep its reputation safe.
- Efficient Equipment
Good and proper equipment should be given to workers so they can work safely on the construction site. Wrong or faulty equipment will always give rise to an opportunity or injury or accident as compared to a good one. Also improper or faulty gear worn by workers can lead them to make fatal errors like falling from a height. Each piece of equipment and gear that will be used by workers should be checked and kept well maintained.
Proper water dispensers, eating, and resting areas that are free from any hazards should also be maintained by the company. Long-term exposure to severe weather conditions can lead to serious illnesses for the workers.
The goal of every construction company is to always reduce accidents and injuries which could halt the work and bring in more costs. Companies that have fewer accidents also enjoy being more popular with people too.
