Keeping workers safe on a construction site is a challenge for every company. It’s all too easy to slack off with ineffective or inappropriate measures that don’t go far enough. Then they only get picked up following an on-site accident.
To be more pro-active, here are some reminders of what’s necessary to keep workers safe on building sites.
Workers Labouring Above Ground Level Must Wear a Harness
It doesn’t matter whether it doesn’t seem like the builder, electrician or another type of labourer will be up high or only 20 feet off the ground, taking a fall is easy to do. It can happen accidentally when someone loses their footing or even bumps into another worker and takes an unintended tumble.
A sudden unexpected bout of vertigo or an illness causing them to lose their balance or motor functions can easily lead to a fall. It’s also possible that some scaffolding collapses unexpectedly or an accidental electric shock temporarily immobilises them.
To avoid the worst outcome, ensure all workers working at any elevation all wear a DBI SALA Harness. These are available from Harnessland.com that stocks many different types of harnesses to suit a variety of uses.
Make Safety Training a Top Priority
Safety on the construction site must take precedence over project deadlines. When corners are cut, people eventually get injured. It’s just that simple.
All workers must be educated on what safety gear to wear at all appropriate times. They must be trained on all the right procedures for general safety concerns such as working from a height, what to do in the event of a fire, and other serious situations.
Safety must come ahead of cost reductions or a push for greater productivity. When productivity levels or reductions in the budget start to have any impact on safety, then this must be addressed by the project manager. Not only must safety standards be maintained, but they should also be regularly reviewed by an independent safety specialist to point out any new deficiencies.
Designate a Health Officer
A health officer must go on a training course to learn how to assess a bad situation. Being knowledgeable about how to perform CPR, what to do in a head impact or a broken leg, are all essential knowledge to possess. This avoids a serious delay in providing initial care until an ambulance arrives on the scene. When done right, initial steps can lead the way to a steady recovery and avoid a far worse outcome.
When on a large construction site, having two long-term, trained up workers on the team is sensible. This way, at least one of them is available on the site on any given day. Ultimately, it avoids construction workers untrained in CPR and other procedures from running around with their heads cut off when something bad happens.
Keeping accidents to a minimum every year – or even having an accident-free workplace – should be the goal. Also, when workers in a tough industry know that their safety is important to the management, it’s truly appreciated.