Safety Measures Every Construction Site Should Have
Safety Measures Every Construction Site Should Have
Construction sites are extremely dangerous places with so many hazards. Therefore, if you have a business in the construction industry, it is vital to ensure your employees work under safe conditions. A recent study found that falls from heights accounted for 50% of the causes of fatal injuries that occur on construction sites! The need for safety is significant within construction companies. However, the issue is most employers don’t know where to start. This article explores three major ways to protect yourself and your workers on a construction site.
- Conduct regular safety training
With so many workers operating heavy-duty machines, building structures, and handling electrical systems and other sharp tools, safety training sessions should be required before work is carried out on construction sites. One of the biggest benefits of regular safety training is that it increases your workers’ awareness of hazards in the workplace. Training sessions also educate workers on the right measures to take to avoid accidents, making them more proactive as they work.
While there are general site safety measures all workers must be aware of, some need to be more tailored to their areas of specialisation. Additionally, there may be various new safety regulations and codes your company is required to adhere to by law. You can conveniently communicate these changes to your employees by conducting regular training sessions.
- Use clear signages and barricades throughout the site
All construction sites are required to have safety signages placed at vantage points. These signs help prevent injuries and keep workers and visitors aware of any hazards. You must ensure that your signs are easy to understand, bold, and visible.
There are six major signs you and your workers must be aware of: mandatory, prohibition, fire safety, warning, danger, and emergency information signs. Barricades are also required around construction sites, especially ones that handle excavations, floor or roof openings, and restricted areas. At a construction site, you would most likely find these options: retractable safety barriers, guard rails, safety nets, concrete barriers, and fencing.
- Proper equipment
When construction workers do not work with the right tools, they are at a higher risk of making errors, which can be fatal. You must equip your workers with the correct tools, but you must also ensure that this equipment is made with quality materials and is well maintained.
You must also ensure that your workers are given the right gear while working onsite. That means all you workers have safety vests, hard hats, shoes, gloves, goggles, earmuffs, and other important tools to make their work safer and more comfortable to perform. They must also be stored properly to avoid too much damage. You must also encourage your workers to wear their protective gear.
By following these three major tips, you are guaranteed your workers’ onsite safety. These are just a few tips; however, there are several other safety tips that you must consider when protecting your workers. Ensure that safety remains your number one priority at all times.