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Working on construction sites is a matter of life and death. They are a breeding ground for accidents. Filled with numerous hazards such as chemicals, machinery, and a dangerous environment, practicing safety conducts is crucial. Although foreseeing accidents is not possible, a comprehensible set of guidelines will enable your site to be safer to work. Thus, here are some safety precautions to consider for your construction site.
Perhaps the first construction site hazard that comes to mind is falling off the edifice structure. The risk of falling has dramatically increased over the years; the taller the buildings, the higher the risk. If you were to derive the main link to this hazard, it would easily be the scaffolding. Millions of workers integrate scaffolding in their work every year. Considering the recurrent use of such structures, frequently conducting safety and stability inspections is imperative.
Moreover, studies show the risk of falling off roofs is significantly higher for residential structures rather than commercial ones. Residential construction sites do not practice the same precautions as commercial sites. Therefore, implementing the use of safety nets and rails must also be done for residential sectors.
Each construction site and structure design are different and unique. Having your labor force charge right in without orienting them in the right direction is extremely hazardous. An induction session helps the workers understand their tasks and what they must avoid.
Safety signage is easy to comprehend and is often more effective than complex induction sessions. Enforcing the use of safety signage and ADA signs is vital. These signs serve as indicators for the workforce, warning them of the hazards of the site. They enable the labor to make immediate decisions and improve their critical-thinking. Furthermore, the ADA signage has several categories that cater to their niche. Warning signs, prohibition signs, and mandatory signs are some examples.
PPE is a set of gear provided to each individual in their field of work. It offers protection for countless hazards that the workspace may present. Engineers, architects, and the labor force are required to use the PPE gear. The kit includes headgear to prevent damage from falling objects, low-hanging wires, and tripping risk. Considering how devastating head injuries can be, headgear is a must for anyone on the construction site.
Furthermore, the use of safety goggles is also mandatory. Safety glasses are the most common PPE equipment, mainly because our eyes are the most vulnerable organs of our body. Our eyes can easily get harmed by a majority of substances. Studies report over 2 million eye injuries occurring in the US every year. Experts suggest that wearing safety glasses could have prevented 90% of these injuries. Similarly, other gears such as safety boots and safety vests are also a necessity for construction-based labor.
Cranes are an obvious safety hazard. The enormous size and power of the machinery come with multiple safety concerns. If a malfunction occurs, workers can get hit by the crane or get a heavy load dropped over them. Due to the reach of a crane and its boom, it can cause several problems if it comes in contact with an electricity powerline. Such accidents often result in an electrocution hazard.
Hiring a team of professionals to inspect the crane, before and after the operation, is imperative. Various machinery and technology are used in modern construction. Hence, monitoring the status of all such equipment is mandatory to minimize the occurring of such accidents. For instance, many workplaces use forklifts. Incorporating a safety regime for forklift users and co-workers is worth considering. According to OSHA, over 100,000 workers get injured from forklift operations. Workers operate forklifts near the workers, leading to higher risks of injury.
Trenches and excavations are not that dissimilar. Having a shorter length when compared to excavation, trenches impose a variety of safety concerns. They comprise of pathways dug underground, at varying depths. The instability of the soil is often considered a cause for the collapse of a trench. The probability of these channels to breakdown is relatively stark, even after fortifying them. A cubic meter of soil weighs heftier than a car. Therefore, in case of failure, a trench can become an early grave for countless workers.
Over the years, safety practitioners have introduced several methods to avoid injuries sustained from trench failures. Contractors incorporate unique protection systems, allowing for exits for the workforce. Professionals carefully mark such exits at places where the trench is not too deep.
Accidents are unavoidable. They can happen either at the workplace or at the leisure of your home. However, that does not mean precautionary steps cannot be taken to avoid such incidences. For starters, following the guidelines and regulations set by the contractor must never be overlooked. Vigilance and caution drastically improve the odds of evading countless misfortunes. Therefore, this list will serve as a great start for learning necessary safety precautions.
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