Every day around two construction site workers die from work-related injuries in the United States. The year 2019 alone recorded 1,061 deaths at construction sites, which is the highest number for any industry. While the numbers are alarming, what is more concerning is that most of these accidents and deaths could have been avoided, some of those rather easily. If the stats suggest that these deaths are avoidable, why are they still happening? How could we avoid them and what are the main reasons for their occurence? Read on to find out more about safety on a construction site.
Wear Safety Gear
Wearing the safety gear and PPE kit while on the site is paramount. The personal protective equipment or PPE kit will ensure that you do not come in contact with hazardous material directly, and when you do, your body is protected, so the damage is reduced significantly. Failure to provide Construction safety equipment is a serious offense, and the authorities will be liable for legal action. Make sure you ask the site supervisor and managers to provide everyone with the safety gear and ensure everyone wears it at all times. The hard hats and safety boots ensure that your body is safe from injuries and fractures even if there was an accident.
Most of the time, at a construction site or otherwise, we might notice instances that could cause accidents but fail to report them. For instance, a live wire hanging at a worksite is like a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment and claim the life of the people working on the site. So, if you see something at the construction site or have a near-miss incident, report it to your supervisor and file an incident report immediately. This could prevent an accident and save your life and that of your peers.
Prioritize Safety
Follow all the safety procedures and avoid working in unsafe areas. If you are required to work in elevated places, make sure it has the safety rail in place. Construction companies could use AI to predict possible safety hazards and install precautionary gears in place to avoid accidents.This would prevent a fall and save lives, and that’s the most important thing. It is best to avoid unsupported trenches and other dangerous operations like working under a crane load, which could come crashing on the head at any point. Avoid working in blind spots and report any problems in the workplace to have them resolved at the earliest.
Insist on Worker Induction
While the nature of construction work might be similar from one site to another, the safety protocol, an emergency exists, hazards, etc., are different. So, make sure you, your peers, and every new person who sets foot to work on the site receive induction. This is a safety precaution and a legal requirement, which will ensure that everyone working understands where to work, how to report risks, what to do in case of an emergency, and so on. In short, never start work without receiving a formal induction.