5 Safety Tips Required on a Construction Site

According to OSHA, over 6.5 million people work in approximately 252,000 construction sites around the US on any given day. The numbers increase every day, and when you think about the number of risks involved with the job, then you know why safety is a vital factor.

Construction jobs are known to be the most dangerous job, not only in the US, but around the world. The number of fatalities that occur on site not only affect the construction workers, but also any person walking into the site.

Accidents do happen and this can be largely attributed to heights, mobile equipment, edges, deep holes and wobbling structures especially the stairs. Safety is an umbrella that should encompass every individual having access to a construction site. This is why employers need to adhere to safety.

Here are safety tips to help secure a construction site and prevent any accidents or injuries:

1. Adorn Protective Apparel and Equipment

   At a construction site, there is danger of falling objects or slipping along the edge. This can result in severe injuries or even death. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that constructions workers adorn protective apparel. They include helmets, work boots, protective clothes and protective eyewear. As mentioned, this will protect the vital parts of the body for example the head, the eyes, the body and the feet. Safety harness and anti-slip footwear are a must especially when you think of the many levels one has to climb or dangle from.

   Not to forget, earmuffs and industrial ear plugs help to protect the ears from excessive noise. It is common at a construction site to experience a lot of noise. From drills to heavy machinery, the noise can result in the damage of the sensitive parts of the ear. With industrial ear plugs, your ears will be protected. It will also help to prevent the onset of problems like tinnitus.

2. Secure Scaffolding

   Scaffolding plays an important part in a construction site. Not only do they allow construction workers to access the outer part of the building, but they hold construction material ready to be used. Many accidents have been found to occur due to falls from unsecure scaffolds. It is important to ensure that they are secure. There are a few ways one can do so. One can set them on sound footing, damaged parts can be taken out of service, they should all be planked and they should not be erected within 10 feet of power lines.

3. Enact a Safety Program

   This is an important part of safety when it comes to a construction site. While many people will adhere to wearing helmets, protective eyewear and clothes, others will forgo industrial earplugs and earmuffs. With a safety program in place, every construction worker will learn what is required of them. Furthermore, a safety program helps to spell out what is required when it comes to the securing of scaffolds, fall protection, excavations, use of ladders, head protection, hazard communication and electrical safety.

   The safety program can be prepared as a document which can be handed to every construction worker before they start to work. They should also sign the document to ensure they understand what is required of them.

4. Have a First Aid Kit On Site

   Accidents do happen even when different safety measures have been put in place. As an employer, having a first aid kit on site can help to alleviate further damage to the body or death. The first aid kit should include band aids, bandages, antiseptic soap or hand wash, needles, sterilized thread, cotton balls, pain killers and anti bacterial wipes, among others. Why have these? In case of an accident, first aid provided will ensure the survival of the individual before being taken to the hospital for expert treatment.

5. Stay Safe When Getting on and off Construction Equipment

   This is has been said to be a major cause of injury at the construction site. People affected include equipment operators, forklift drivers and truck drivers. It is important to ensure safety when getting on and off construction equipment.

   You need to check the following – clean the mud from your work boots, use high grip gloves, avoid dresses or skirts, avoid long sleeved shirts or oversize clothing and avoid a toe-hold or finger-hold grip. It is also important to avoid carrying anything when climbing heavy construction equipment. Finally, never jump, but slowly descend in the required manner.

– Article by Dennis Kaminski

Dennis Kaminski is the owner of SafetyMart. SafetyMart helps customers ranging from private businesses to government/municipal agencies, both large and small, to address their safety needs and requirements.