Construction projects present several inherent safety risks. This includes everything from slips, trips, and falls to more serious hazards such as electrocution, falling debris, and being caught in/between equipment or machinery. But there are measures that construction companies can take to mitigate these risks and improve site safety. Here are five key areas to invest in:
1. Adequate Training and Supervision
Construction workers may already have some experience and knowledge of safety procedures. Still, they must receive specific training on the hazards present at your construction site. This might include everything from fall protection to lockout/tagout procedures for working with machinery. With proper training, your workers will be better equipped to identify and avoid potential hazards.
It also makes sense that your workers have adequate on-site supervision. This doesn’t mean you need to have a supervisor looking over the shoulder of every worker all day long. But there should always be someone available to provide guidance and answer questions when needed.
2. Personal Protective Equipment
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injury on a construction site is to ensure that all workers have the proper personal protective equipment. However, despite the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OHSA’s standards, not all construction workers wear the proper PPE.
Some workers wear PPEs, considered the bare minimum, which might not be adequate for the task at hand. Others wear poor-quality PPE that does not fit them well, which can actually do more harm than good. This can happen when workers have to share PPEs, which is often the case on construction sites.
Investing in the right PPEs will protect your workers and save you money in the long run. The right PPEs outfitted to your worker’s specifications will be more comfortable, which means they will be more likely to wear them. Good-quality PPEs can also last longer, so you won’t have to replace them often.
PPEs prevent injuries that could lead to costly workers’ compensation claims. You can start investing in PPEs by conducting a hazard assessment of your construction site. This will help you identify what PPEs are necessary for each task. You should also develop a policy on using PPEs and ensure that all workers know how to properly use them.
3. Tower Cranes
These massive machines are an excellent investment for the construction of tall buildings. They consist of a base, tower, and boom used to hoist materials up to the top of the building. While there are safety issues associated with tower cranes, with proper usage and prevention tactics, you can utilize this investment in improving site safety.
For instance, buying a self erecting tower crane for sale, which doesn’t require as much assembly, can help to reduce the risk of injury. These cranes typically have better safety features than traditional tower cranes. By investing in a self erecting tower crane, you can improve site safety by:
- Reducing movement on site. These cranes allow you to load materials vertically and move them horizontally, making transporting materials easier even on unsuitable grounds.
- Improving communication. Most tower cranes come with an integrated radio system, which can help to enhance communication between the operator and workers on site.
- Reducing noise levels. These cranes also tend to be quieter than traditional tower ones, which can help reduce noise levels on construction sites.
- Reduce damage to other equipment. Self-erecting tower cranes can help to reduce the risk of damage to other equipment on site, including scaffolding, ladders, and hoists.
Operating a tower crane can be a daunting task, but with proper training, your workers can use this safely and efficiently. The first step is to find a vendor that sells quality tower cranes. If you are still struggling to buy a tower crane, consider looking for a vendor that also offers crane rentals. This allows you to test tower cranes to make the best decision once you have the funds to buy one.
4. Adequate Lighting
Poor lighting is one of the most common hazards on construction sites. This is because construction sites are often full of obstacles and trip hazards. Poor lighting can make it difficult for workers to see these hazards, leading to accidents.
Ensuring that your construction site is adequately lit can help prevent accidents. But note that the type of lighting you use is just as crucial as the amount of lighting. For instance, using floodlights can create a lot of glare, making it more difficult for workers to see.
Instead, try to use directional lighting to illuminate the work area without creating too much glare. You should also consider using LED lights, which are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. If possible, natural light is always best, so try to get as much sunlight into the workspace as possible.
Poor lighting is one of easiest and most inexpensive things to fix. By investing in adequate lighting, you can help to improve visibility and prevent accidents.
5. Improve Housekeeping Standards
Good housekeeping is essential for any construction site. Tidying up at the end of each day can help prevent trips and falls and reduce the likelihood of materials being left where they shouldn’t be. Failure to maintain good housekeeping standards can also lead to workers sustaining injuries from sharp objects or exposure to hazardous materials.
To improve housekeeping standards on your construction site, consider implementing the following tips:
- Ensure that all workers know where to store materials. This includes both raw materials and finished products.
- Train workers to tidy up as they go. This includes sweeping up dust or debris and putting tools away after use.
- Perform regular inspections of the site. This helps to identify any areas that need to be cleaned up and also allows you to address any safety hazards that may have been missed.
- Make sure all pathways are clear and free from obstacles and that any materials or tools are stored away securely when not in use.
These are but five things you can invest in to help increase safety on your construction site. By investing in safety, you can create a safer working environment for your employees and help prevent accidents. Doing so also allows you to create a more efficient construction site, as workers can work more confidently and without fear of injury. So, if you want to improve safety on your construction site, consider these five tips.