There are many ways to be safe in the construction industry, but this article will focus on four main areas: Training, Housekeeping, Equipment, and Fall Protection. As an employer, your job is to instill a culture of safety within your team. To help you build a culture of safety, consider enrolling in a safety course offered by OSHA. This online course is available around the clock. This course is a great resource for construction safety, and is designed to teach construction workers the proper safety procedures.
Training
Workers in the construction industry must be trained to avoid common workplace hazards. Training must be both written and hands-on. Without proper training, accidents may occur and even lead to fatalities. Not only can it be dangerous for workers but it can also harm the business financially. Regardless of whether the worker has previous construction experience, it doesn’t guarantee that he or she is safe. Therefore, it is important to make sure that all workers undergo the same training and are aware of the latest safety practices.
Employees must receive continuous training to remain aware of new hazards and to keep their job site safe. Training should be designed to teach workers the basics of safety and OSHA’s Focus Four Hazards. In addition, it should also cover more specialized topics and foster a culture of safety within the workplace. Taking training seriously is critical for employees and employers alike. It is important to follow all federal, state, and local laws when designing a construction safety training program.
Training to be safe in the construction field includes making sure employees understand the proper use of equipment and other necessary safety measures. Provide workers with proper work equipment and maintain records of training for each worker. Providing workers with the proper equipment will create a safety culture in the workplace. Employees should also be properly equipped with personal protective equipment. These items protect workers from the hazards and rough conditions that they will face. In addition to safety training, employees should wear proper clothing, including eye protection and rubber gloves.
Employees should also be properly trained and certified to operate heavy machinery. This will prevent any accidents or injuries from occurring. Operators should be aware of their surroundings and keep the keys locked. Ensure enough space to maneuver in the equipment and alert others working on the construction site about their movements. Be careful while reversing heavy machinery to avoid accidents. Then, the operators must be vigilant to avoid causing an accident.
Equipment
Safety equipment is an essential tool to protect workers from potential injuries and illnesses. 240V equipment, for example, is prohibited on construction sites without prior approval and will be used with additional safety measures. If you’re unsure whether to use an electrical device, stop working and ask your supervisor. There is no room for mistakes on construction sites, and the wrong decision can have fatal consequences. Proper safety equipment will protect workers and their equipment from harm.
Heavy equipment should be operated by certified operators who have received proper training and know how to use it. Always keep three points of contact when climbing or operating equipment. Avoid operating equipment parallel to slopes or carrying anything into or out of the cab. Make sure to engage the brakes before leaving. Do not allow your equipment to roll over. You should also never drive the equipment in an unsafe direction. Be sure to follow all other safety precautions on the jobsite.
When operating heavy equipment, workers should communicate clearly with one another and avoid obvious hazards. For example, the operator should turn off the motor and engage the brakes before approaching stationary workers. Workers should also face the equipment when boarding and exiting. Always use three points of contact to avoid falls and injuries. For top-loading equipment, workers should use cab shields or canopy protection. As a precaution, workers should be trained in how to properly operate and maintain heavy equipment.
In addition to these precautions, workers should also be aware of the hazards around them. Workers should avoid working at heights unless they are equipped with fall prevention equipment. It is also important not to work below structures that contain hazardous operations. Workers should also report any problems to their supervisors and fill out an incident report when necessary. Management can only take action if they are alerted and swift. That is why safety and security are so vital.
Workers should always wear seat belts, wear highly visible clothing, and obey traffic control procedures. It is also important to stay alert and aware of the swing radius of heavy equipment, and never work under suspended loads. All construction workers should follow safety measures and be aware of any hazards around them. For instance, heavy equipment operators should ensure that their equipment doesn’t run over overhead power lines or overhead lines. It is important to signal when approaching these areas, especially when operating equipment near the ground or other objects.
Housekeeping
It is imperative to maintain good housekeeping in the construction site. Inadequate housekeeping can result in injuries and painful ailment. To prevent accidents, keep the site clean and safe for everyone. Good housekeeping includes the proper disposal of trash, keeping floors clean, and avoiding hazardous obstacles and hazards. All of these factors should be taken care of by everyone on the site, including management and general labor.
Poor housekeeping contributes to workplace hazards, as it hides hazards. The resulting mess could make a person or their workstation vulnerable to injury. Avoid storing combustible materials on the ground or blocking exits or electrical panels. Housekeeping is an ongoing process. By making regular housekeeping a habit, you will be able to avoid many common housekeeping mistakes that could lead to accidents.
Proper housekeeping can improve morale and public relations. Proper storage, use, and cleanup are the foundation of proper housekeeping. Every worker on a construction site is responsible for cleaning up after themselves. As the last thing a construction worker wants to do, good housekeeping can help them focus on their work and reduce the likelihood of accidents. To help improve your housekeeping, use checklists and follow them religiously.
Housekeeping is one of the most important parts of accident prevention. When done properly, it will significantly reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents. Proper housekeeping also helps boost morale, makes a good impression on visitors, and helps to avoid fines for non-compliance. So, a good housekeeping habit should be a priority for every worker. And, don’t forget to consider the many benefits of effective housekeeping.
Good housekeeping means ensuring the clean-up of combustible scrap regularly. Ensure that workers use containers for flammable and hazardous waste. Keep walkways and aisles free of debris and clutter. Incorporate a housekeeping policy and enforce it. Housekeeping will make the construction site a safer place for everyone. And, it will make everyone’s job easier! If you’re planning on cleaning a construction site, be sure to follow it.
Proper fall protection
Employers are responsible for preventing falls in the construction field. Proper fall protection education, personal protection equipment, and thorough training are required to create a safe working environment. Active fall protection is available in four general categories: tripping, falling, and slipping. OSHA has established standards for each. In addition, most fall fatalities occur on non-union residential construction sites. In addition to these standards, employers are responsible for establishing guidelines for fall protection education and training.
Employers must make sure that their workers are wearing proper fall protection equipment, including tethers and lanyards. OSHA’s Subpart M describes the criteria for fall protection in construction sites. While many construction workers may be aware of these standards, fewer employees understand them. The goal is to protect workers and the public from harm. The standards are important for workers, employers, and contractors. Employers must make their workplaces safer for workers and themselves.
The height at which workers must be protected by fall prevention equipment is different from industry to industry. General industry workers must wear protective equipment at four feet or higher, while construction workers must be protected at six feet or higher. Some workers may be exposed to falls as high as 30 feet. Workers in general industry must wear protective gear if they are working on construction sites, and should be trained to use their personal protective equipment in an emergency.
The cost of proper fall protection equipment is usually included in the bidding process. Before beginning construction, contractors must determine what protection measures are necessary. Workers near edge-exposed areas must wear a full body harness with dual lanyards, a shock absorbent lanyard, or a self-retracting lifeline. Before each use, workers should inspect the fall protection equipment and make sure it fits properly. Never wear the harness loosely.
Falls are the leading cause of death and injury on construction sites. A fall in the construction field is responsible for approximately a third of all deaths in the industry. In 2013, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 291 fatal falls on lower levels in the construction industry. The most common violations of OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926 are related to fall protection. In general, OSHA also offers safety training for construction and general industry workers, which includes fall protection.
