A work site is one of the most hazardous locations to work, yet it is also one of the most disregarded. These situations that arise while construction is underway can be deadly for those present, as incidents occur quite regularly. If you are in management on a job site, you will almost certainly be required to conduct numerous site visits and inspect the location, even without much notice. With that said, it’s no surprise that construction workers must be more cautious than anyone employed in any other industry.
Tens of thousands of workers are injured on construction sites each year, due to either accidents, hazardous conditions or risky practices. Among the injured workers, a number of them will suffer from long term disabilities, while others may even lose their lives. This is not only worrying, but also makes working in the construction industry more unappealing than ever. Despite these facts, the need for new projects remains constant.
There’s a number of things that you should and shouldn’t do on a construction site that will help decrease workplace accidents and safeguard workers and potentially save their lives. We’ve put together some suggestions so that construction will no longer be a dangerous place if these standards are carefully applied.
Education About Dangers on Construction Sites
A vast range of possible risks may be found on a work site. The following are some of the most prevalent construction site hazards you may run into:
– Falling from heights;
– falling items;
– hazardous chemical exposure;
– carrying heavy objects or equipment;
– the inhaling of dust
– equipment mishaps;
– and working in restricted spaces.
Before allowing anyone working on a job site to enter, they should be sufficiently briefed and aware of the potential risks. Regardless of their role or degree of expertise, all those present should be aware of anything that could potentially cause harm to them. Those unaware of the risks can put others in danger. Understanding all the dangers of the site and maintaining a constant level of attention is arguably the most effective approach to avoiding injuries.
Standards Required by OSHA
To better educate yourself and the entire team on all construction hazards and prevention, everyone should be familiarized with the following standards:
– Scaffolding: When scaffolds are not utilized appropriately, there is a considerable risk of falling.
– Fall Protection: Aerial lifts being installed on-site will give workers a safer surface to work on on elevated platforms, where the risk of fall is apparent.
– Excavation Access: No one should have access to exposed trenches during excavations.
– Ladders and Electrical Hazards: Ladders with metallic materials should be avoided when working with power lines and locations where electrical work is being done.
– Hard Hats: In addition to hard hats, body harnesses and safety net devices should be used to protect your head.
– Excavations: For trenching operations that are more than 1 foot deep, protective devices should be applied.
– Hazard Education: Safety information should be readily available and accessible for all employees. It also should be simple and clear, so everyone can comprehend it.
– Required Protective Workwear: Garments such as work Boots with slip-resistant soles should be worn. They should also be puncture-resistant.
– Electrical Dangers: Ensure that all equipment and electrical tools are checked on a regular basis for defects or low voltage.
Final Thoughts
One of the ultimate end games for the construction business is significantly lower all worker injuries or eliminate deaths. The less accidents that take place, the more popular the industry becomes, attracting more and more able workers. Not only is injury prevention extremely important, but there are long-term advantages that your construction company will reap from it. Your workers are considerably more happy and content with their jobs if safety standards are adopted.
As less accidents occur, we will also see a steady decline in injuries that lead to lawsuits. A construction accident lawyer in New Jersey may not see as many inquiries for injury, especially if the safety rules are followed, thus impacting a construction company’s bottom line in a positive way.
