SAFETY MEASURES ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE

Construction is an industry that is filled with potential dangers. Construction sites are filled with dangerous machinery, environments, hazards, and chemicals that can cause major to lethal injury without constant vigilance. Undeniably, construction workers encounter more frequent and dangerous safety risks within their occupation than most other employees. Luckily, you can minimize these unfortunate incidents by using the appropriate safety measures. Below are tips to help you reduce accidents and keep your people protected on the job.

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When you enter the site, make sure you have the PPE you need. It is very important to wear the right clothes for your job.

If you’re lifting heavy objects, you should use a back brace to prevent damage to your body. Moreover, if you are working on an elevated area and there’s a risk of slipping and falling, you should wear a safety harness. In addition, you should also wear nonskid, rubber footwear if you are working in an area with slippery surfaces.

You should also be sure to wear gloves and goggles on the worksite if you’re using dangerous tools. If necessary, wear a breathing mask at work if you work with dangerous toxins or if you deal with constant dust or other debris.

2. Climb with Caution

Worker who frequently climbs ladder or stairs should always inspect a ladder or stairs before they step on them. Constantly check for damaged, loose, worn, weak, and otherwise broken spots. Avoid standing on these areas and inform the foreman of these safety issues.

Stairs and ladders should be kept clean, uncluttered, and dry. Workers should not use metal ladders in rainy or wet conditions. When you can, choose aerial lifts and elevated platforms as these are safer than standing and balancing on a ladder. When you are using a ladder, be sure to move it as you work. Do not try to overreach as you can easily lose your balance and get injured.

3. Staying Safe Loading or Unloading Equipment

No matter where you’re working, there’s always the risk of equipment rolling over if you’re loading or unloading it. This is why it’s important to make sure the ramps you’re using are straight and cleared. You should also be sure to allow plenty of room between you and the equipment in case of an emergency.

Make sure you use another co-worker as a spotter while guiding your equipment and make sure the machine is clear of the ramp before turning it. However, you should also make sure the trailer deck and you have proper clearance before loading it, in addition to using correct tie-down procedures.

4. Follow Safety Signs and Procedure

Each site has its unique hazards and work operations, make sure you know what is happening so that you can work safely. Follow construction safety signs and procedures. These should be explained to you in your induction. Your employer should ensure a risk assessment is carried out for your activities. Make sure you read and understand it. Control measures are put in place for your safety. Make sure they are in place and working before you start.

5. Ask If You Are in Doubt

It is better to be safe than sorry. So if you are unsure what to do, or how to do something safely, or maybe you think something is wrong, stop working and ask. It will only take minutes to check, but it might not be easy to put things right if things go wrong. Mistakes on construction sites can cost lives, don’t let it happen to you. If you need help or further information, speak to your supervisor.

Your workers are part of your success, you should be protecting them. Ensure them with insurance that they need.

Contact Onyx Insurance now!