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The construction industry has a nasty reputation for being one of the most dangerous places to work, and the rate of accidents on construction sites is alarming. It is one of the most common factors that affect employees’ morale, and this article will address the safety guidelines that must be strictly adhered to.
Based on the statistics provided by OSHA, most of these accidents that occur on the site are caused by electrocution, falls, being hit by objects, and being caught in between equipment. That is why it is critical for every work site to have a safety culture to minimize or eliminate the risk of injury on your construction site.
Safety culture entails the rules and regulations that guide the activities of employees and visitors in the workplace. The essence of having a safety culture is to keep each person safe and enhance the safety factors of the workplace. These are some of the safety rules that we feel you can follow to keep everyone safe while at work:
1. Awareness
Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to working in construction areas. One of the causes of hazards at a construction site is a naïve worker who does not know about the safety measures and hazards associated with working on site. However, it is important to create awareness among workers to inform them about the right steps to take at the right time. People tend to be more careful when they understand the consequences of their actions if anything goes wrong. They will know how to respond when there is an accident when they have been taught the rudiments of safety.
During induction sessions, it is important to concentrate on the safety topic, and every new and existing worker must be educated to stay safe on the job. In addition, every employee should look out for the safety of the other workers, and the main focus should be on keeping everyone safe by following strict safety guidelines.
2. Wear Personal Protective Gear At All Times
Your personal protective equipment is there for your protection and can save your life when there is a looming danger. For example, your hard hat can save your head from being hit by a flying object. Your protective gear entails a face mask, high visibility jacket, hand gloves for hand protection, safety boots, hard hats, and goggles for your eye protection.
Ensure each worker on-site wears the PPE all the time, and anyone without the personal protective gear should not be allowed to enter the construction area. Workers should wear their gear appropriately at any given point.
3. Keep The Site Tidy Always
Untidy workplaces can cause injury, and out of the four causes of accidents on construction sites, falls and being hit by objects lead the pack. That is why it is good to clear the debris and other unwanted items from your site once you complete your task.
You can use self-dumping hoppers to remove debris and dirt from your work area, as a neat working environment has its impact on everyone. You can reduce the rate of injury and accidents on the site using self-dumping hoppers to avoid trips, falls, and slips. Trash bins must be kept around the work area where unwanted items can be dropped instead of being dropped on the floor. You need to make sure that important areas such as access routes, muster points, and emergency exits are properly cleared.
4. Adhere Strictly To the Right Safety Procedure
Each task carried out at construction sites must have a guideline that every worker must strictly follow. Every employee working on the job must know the requirements of the task and understand the details of each job. It is crucial to hosting regular safety talks to remind the team members of their responsibility to be safe every time. This will create a healthy working culture that emphasizes safety.
5. Use The Right Tools For Your Task
What is construction without the use of tools and equipment? They are inseparable, and there is a need to use several tools and equipment by different professionals. You need to use the right tools for your task and avoid overusing them as it could lead to injury or death.
Electrocution is a common hazard on construction sites, and this is usually caused by workers who are not putting their safety first. Workers are also exposed to the risk of breakage and overworking their electrical appliances. It is the responsibility of the site managers to provide the right gadgets for the task and ensure these tools are assigned to the right people who understand how to use them for the specific task.
6. Ensure a Proper Report of Malfunctions
Most employees are guilty of not reporting cases of near misses and faulty tools to the management, causing problems at construction sites. Whenever you use faulty machines to perform your task, you are exposing yourself and other individuals to the danger of electrocution.
Ensure you report a faulty tool in your possession and take it off the site immediately. In addition, you need to report the cases of near misses and ensure they are recorded for reference purposes. More people will learn how to handle their tools safely when you do this.
It also helps the management improve the safety of the site and enables them to take drastic steps to prevent accidents on site.
7. Never Stop Learning, Ask Questions
If there is anything any worker does not understand about a task assigned to him or her, he or she should not be ashamed to ask questions. There should be a working relationship between the management and the workers. This will enable the workers to express their fears and ask questions about their jobs. It also minimizes the occurrence of accidents on the site and eliminates ignorance among the employees.
