Did you know that construction accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities and injuries in the workplace? With an estimated four deaths and 40.8 disabling injuries occurring daily, it’s clear that something needs to be done to decrease construction accidents. Knowing this, we’ve rounded up 10 steps that can help make your work site a safe place for everyone involved. Read on to learn what you can do to avoid disaster and keep your employees safe!
1. Prioritize safety: Establishing a culture of safety should be the top priority at any construction site. Make sure all employees are adequately trained on safety procedures and that they understand their role in maintaining a safe work environment. It’s also important to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for violations of these rules and guidelines.
2. Invest in quality PPE: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for keeping workers safe from potential hazards such as falls, burns, and more. Make sure you provide your employees with proper, high-quality PPE so that they can do their job without putting themselves or others in danger.
3. Regularly inspect equipment: Construction sites rely heavily on the use of heavy machinery. It’s important that all of these machines and tools are regularly inspected for any potential flaws or faults that could lead to accidents. Make sure you also check for any signs of wear-and-tear that can compromise safety.
4. Utilize proper signage: Signs should be clearly visible at all times in order to prevent people from entering dangerous areas or using certain equipment without permission. Post prominent “no entry” signs around hazardous areas such as scaffolding, and make sure all instruction labels and warnings are updated frequently.
5. Ensure proper supervision: All construction sites need to have someone who is in charge of keeping things under control. Supervisors should pay close attention to the work being done and be able to recognize any potential risks or safety hazards.
6. Restrict access to dangerous areas: Areas that are particularly vulnerable for accidents should be off-limits, especially when employees are not actively working in them. Make sure any hazardous areas have clear barriers around them and are out of bounds unless someone is specifically tasked with going inside for a specific reason.
7. Establish safe storage practices: Messy worksites can lead to confusion and potential injury. Make sure all supplies and materials are kept organized at all times and stored away safely after use so that nothing becomes a tripping hazard or gets misplaced.
8. Practice fall prevention techniques: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction accidents. Make sure you’re always have legal assistance and using appropriate ladders, scaffolding, and other safety equipment to ensure that workers have a safe way of getting from one level to another.
9. Educate employees: Provide employees with education about permanent disability compensation and training on how to properly do their job without putting themselves or others at risk. This could include topics such as how to lift heavy items correctly, proper use of tools or machinery, etc.
10. Maintain a clean work environment: A clean worksite is an important factor in keeping everyone safe. Not only does it help prevent slips and falls, but it also helps create a better atmosphere for productivity and performance. If you need help, contact Golden State Workers Compensation from San Jose. Encourage your employees to clean up after themselves and ensure that all debris is disposed of properly.
Following these 10 simple steps will help keep construction sites safe for everyone involved and decrease the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Make sure you stay on top of your safety protocols and emphasize the importance of a secure work environment in order to avoid disaster.
By following these tips, you can learn to fight for your rights and create a safe working environment for your construction team that minimizes the risk of injury or death due to hazardous conditions. Remember: Safety should always come first! With proper precautions and preventative actions, you can give your workers peace of mind knowing they’re in a secure workspace. Take steps today to reduce workplace accidents before it’s too late!
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Fatal Injuries in Construction”, https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cfch0008.pdf
National Safety Council, “Construction Accident Prevention”, https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/falls-construction
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “Preventing Falls from Scaffolding”, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3146preventingfallswebfinalhtml1004compressed5056.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Construction Safety & Health”, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/construction/default.html
United States Department of Labor, “Fact Sheet: Personal Protective Equipment”, https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/ health-plans-benefits / workplace safety / ppefactsheet