Did you know that nearly 20% of all workplace fatalities occurred in the construction industry?
Accidents are tragic but common occurrences on building sites where workers are exposed to many risks. Prolonged exposure to dust, noise, and hazardous materials increases the likelihood of developing short- and long-term health issues.
Establishing site safety practices means taking every possible measure to protect construction workers. Proper machinery and tool maintenance, communication, and training go a long way toward achieving this goal.
This article looks at the most common risks associated with construction site safety. We also discuss some possible solutions. Read on to learn more.
Implement Construction Site Risk Assessments
Consider the site’s layout when assessing a construction site for safety risks. Also, know the type of work, the potential hazards, and the workers’ susceptibility to injury.
Reviewing these factors can help you identify potential safety risks and take steps to mitigate them.
Provide Safety Training
It is vital to provide thorough and regular safety training to ensure the safety of workers.
This training should cover important topics or potential hazards. Topics include:
- Fall protection
- Electrical safety
- Hazard communication
Additionally, workers should be taught how to use any personal protective equipment required for the job. High visibility clothing is just one example.
Conduct Regular Safety Inspections
Conducting regular safety inspections is an integral part of managing building site risks. By identifying potential hazards and correcting them, you can have a safe construction site safe for everyone.
To conduct a safety inspection, you must walk around the entire site and look for potential hazards. If you see something that could be dangerous, make a note of it and correct it as soon as possible.
Some essential things to look for during a safety inspection include:
- Loose debris
- Tripping hazards
- Electrical hazards
- Chemical hazards
If you see any of these issues, correct them right away.
Have a Written Safety Plan
It is essential for construction site managers to have a written safety plan in place to help reduce the risks associated with work on the site.
The safety plan should address the specific hazards present at the site. Also, it must outline the measures that will be taken to protect workers from these hazards.
By having a written safety plan, construction site managers can help ensure that workers know the risks involved in their work. The safety plan will also help them stay safe while on the job.
Follow This Construction Site Safety Guide
Construction site health and safety are essential elements of good workplace management.
This guide provides information on how to identify and manage risks associated with building sites. It is necessary to assess the site, provide safety training, conduct regular safety inspections, and have a written safety plan. Having construction site safety guides available to all staff ensures a safe and successful project.
For other helpful building site safety articles, check out the rest of our blog.