The construction sector is synonymous with development and investment. Business moguls identify the potential for future growth and various players in the construction game contribute to making the dream a reality. However, it can quickly become a nightmare without proper safety measures.
Prioritizing safety on a construction site is essential to minimize risk. Whether you’re a project manager, architect, or property developer, it’s important to invest in keeping the construction site safe.
Let’s explore a few safety essentials for construction projects.
Safety on Construction Site
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), construction sites have the highest rates of fatalities and injuries and are responsible for 30 to 40% of the world’s fatal injuries.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also reveals that 10% of construction site workers are injured each year (with fall hazards serving as the leading cause).
At Konrad Construction, we prioritize integrity, excellence and honesty, and safety plays a dominant role in achieving these goals. Streamlining the health and safety of a construction site is one of the fundamental steps in managing a successful healthcare construction project.
The following aspects need to be considered when planning safety for a construction site:
- Awareness and education for workers
- Training in safety skills
- Streamlined communication
- Detailed documentation
- Proper equipment
- Strong supervision
Practical Safety Essentials for the Construction Site
Safety on a construction site is layered, with many different angles to consider. The following safety essentials should be considered for every construction project – no matter how big or small.
Fall Protection
Fall hazards are the leading cause of worker deaths in construction, and an essential area to protect. Workers need to familiarize themselves with the risks and the proper safety measures, and employers need to invest in fall protection systems. Special attention needs to be given to scaffolding, stairways, ladders, elevated platforms, and aerial lifts.
Head Protection
Quality head protection is essential lifesaving equipment, protecting workers from a number of safety hazards. Workers should wear hard hats to protect against falling tools or debris, electrical hazards, or dangling construction equipment. Employers should provide hard hats for their workers, and they should be kept in good condition. If the head protection is damaged at any point, then it should be replaced.
Construction Safety Training
Proper safety training empowers workers and protects them from potential falls or hazards. Construction managers should provide proper training on a regular basis. Training should include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
- Proper assembly of materials
- Inspection and maintenance of fall protection systems
- Use of fall protection systems
- Personal fall arrest systems
- Safety monitoring
Eye and Face Protection
It’s not only fall hazards that present a risk on a construction site. The likes of moving particles, liquid chemicals and gasses all present a risk to workers on site. Eye and face protection equipment play a key role in safety when welding, grinding, drilling, etc. Employers should provide good quality safety equipment for workers, and they should fit snug.
Prevent Excavation Hazards
Construction involves digging down and building up, and both aspects present safety risks. Excavation and trenches introduce the risk of cave-ins, dangerous atmospheres, and electrocutions. Wearing proper safety equipment, provided by employers, and adequate inspection are essential to ensuring safety. Proper protocol should also be followed. For example, a registered engineer should be involved in safety precautions for excavations over five feet.
Trusted Construction Safety Services
At Konrad Construction, we’re proud to be the go-to choice for commercial construction, from beginning to end, prioritizing safety along the way. We’d be honored to work with you, satisfying each need in your construction project. Contact us today to find out more or get a free estimate.
