By 
Construction safety implies to safety precautions taken to keep the workers present on-site safe along with the public near the construction site. Precautionary measures are mandatory to be followed at construction sites because it is a high-risk land job, and being a construction worker is risking your life to fatal injuries. Taking proper precautionary measures also ensures that the final product of the construction meets the demanded safety standards. The most common risks and construction hazards from working on sites include air and noise pollution, slips and falls, musculoskeletal injuries, collapsing trenches, asbestos, chemical waste, insects, and even psychosocial effects.
Taking precautionary measures is necessary to safeguard everyone’s well-being is affected by the ongoing work and overcoming or minimize the risks. Ten of such preventive measures to take at construction sites are discussed below,
- SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM
Every employer must enroll all employees in a Safety Training Program before the start of construction work. So they are educated about the importance of conducting regular safety audits. These programs help them learn how to manage and mitigate risks and point out dangerous areas present for a quick injury or emergency management.
- ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Construction site workers are always at a high risk of being electrocuted. There are electrical transformers and extension cords and power cables scattered everywhere in damp and hazardous conditions on these sites. It is best if the workers maintain a safe distance from them, and all wires are insulated. It is also essential to approve electrical products for heavy-duty usage. You can find reliable and quality electrical devices and generators over the internet. If you’re interested, go to site to find more.
- SITE SECURITY AND STRICT SAFETY PROTOCOLS
It’s ideal to restrict site access to protect the public from potential damage. It also helps protect the construction site from the theft of equipment. Only authorized personnel should be allowed to enter the premises. Following strict safety protocols on the site allows commercial asbestos contractor newcastle from accountability if an accident takes place.
- SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
A secure work assessment process should be set in place and implemented for hazardous projects before commencing any site work. The SWMS must distinctly mention potential risks and ways to manage them. No action should begin until SWMS standards are met.
- USE OF SIGN LANGUAGE
Bold and visible signs should be used throughout the area to mark SWMS protocols, emergency contacts, and location of fire extinguishers, first aid, emergency exits, and amenities on site. Caution signs should be placed outside the site for pedestrians to see.
- ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS
Different entry and exit points should be used for machinery and vehicle access to ensure pedestrians’ safety.
- PROPER CHEMICAL STORAGE
If not stored or handled correctly, chemicals can cause severe injuries through explosions and fires. Minimizing these risks is possible by using a first-rate compliant outdoor storage like explosive cabinets.
- PREPARE BEFOREHAND FOR UNFAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Sites must have an on-hand emergency plan in case of an adverse environmental condition. The project must guide workers with instructions when they need to stop working in the account of a natural disaster because it can cause serious safety concerns.
- PROVIDE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
According to a study, the lack of personal protective equipment on construction sites is among the top five reasons for accidents. To avoid that, an employer has to provide the workers with PPE, which includes harnesses, safety goggles, vests, head protection gear, etc. The required PPE might vary from project to project.
- FIRST AID MUST BE AVAILABLE ON SITE
Despite just having a first aid box, it is necessary to have a first responder or first aid officer at hand in case of an emergency. All of these should be accessible in a reachable area.
Conclusion
These are the primary and most vital precautionary measures that are necessary at a construction site. Implementation of these measures should be deemed necessary before the start of any project. As injuries caused at construction sites continue to grow, workers’ health and safety must be a priority. It is a contractor’s responsibility that excellent quality materials and equipment must be used so that safety risks are kept away from people in the long run.
Comments