All employers have a specific responsibility to protect the health and safety of their staff. Employers can promote workplace safety and follow regulations by installing proper safety measures. Similarly, you, as an employer, should have the trust and belief in your workers for compliance with safety regulations. Safety regulations play a critical role in protecting workers from potential safety hazards in the workplace. Compliance with safety regulations promotes workplace safety and reduces workplace accidents, meaning no or fewer injuries in the workplace. Whether you are an employer or an employee working at a construction site. It is essential to be aware of what regulations you are obligated to and the hazards these regulations deal with. Stay with us, as in this blog, we will cover all the essential construction regulations, followed by the dangers present for construction workers.

Exploring regulations

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Labour, about 60% of construction worker fatalities occur from falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and others caught in/between accidents. Being reported that the primary reason for such casualties was non-compliance with safety regulations. As you may know, these regulations are for your safety and well-being as a construction site worker. Therefore, you need to understand what purpose a specific regulation covers.

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA sets and enforces safety and health standards for the construction industry and its workers. Employers are obliged to comply with OSHA standards to promote workplace safety. OSHA standards cover topics such as fall protection, noise control, scaffolding, electrical safety, and PPE.

• National Electrical Code (NEC)

The NEC is a standard for electrical installations and is obligatory in many countries, such as the United States. This regulation provides guidelines for safely installing and using electrical systems and equipment.

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards

ISO develops and publishes international standards for various industries, including construction. ISO standards related to construction cover topics such as project management, quality management, and environmental management.

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

NIOSH emphasizes a wide range of occupational safety and health issues. In a construction site, NIOSH covers ergonomics, hearing protection, and respiratory protection.

• International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions

The ILO is a United Nations agency that sets international labor standards. ILO conventions related to construction cover topics such as the safety and health of workers, working conditions, social security, and minimum wages for workers.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations

Such as Asbestos containing materials that can be very harmful to a person if inhaled. The EPA regulates the handling, removal, and disposal of hazards present in the workplaces such as construction sites. Further stating that asbestos-containing materials or other threats be identified, handled, and disposed of by a trained professional.

How to comply with safety regulations

These regulations can be extensive and complicated to understand. You never know in which situations you might be obliged to follow one. One wrong step, and you might be held responsible and fined for not showing compliance with the regulations. You must understand that these laws are for your safety, and following them would benefit only you. The best way to understand and show compliance with the law is by getting adequately trained. Training plays a crucial factor in grooming an individual to become law compliant. Courses like Working at height training educate a person on the rules associated with working at height that you, as a worker, are obliged to follow. These courses also teach you to maximize your safety while working at heights. Working at height training course covers risk Legislation and regulations, risk assessment, safety and wellbeing, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Taking such learning courses is essential in shaping you as a competent and law-abiding person.

Hazards present on a construction site

• Working at height

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from height remain the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Accounting for more than 36% of all deaths in construction. Therefore, working at heights exposes you to a higher possibility of sustaining injury or death. There is a higher chance that you might lose your grip or fall from a height. Or malfunctioning in any safety equipment can result in you falling from a height. Therefore, you must consider and assess all the safety procedures while working at height. Furthermore, Suitable training is required for all employees who work at height. Training in working with different equipment and surfaces will allow you to perform your job effectively.

• Moving objects

A construction site is an ever-changing environment, with many processes going on simultaneously. This also means many moving objects, often on uneven terrain. Moving things like vehicles, swinging loads, cranes, and falling objects can result in harmful consequences for the person with whom they came in contact. Your priority as a worker should be to watch out for such moving objects and avoid working close to such things. Also, wear personal protective equipment, such as a helmet, to save your body’s sensitive parts, such as the head.

• Slips, trips, and falls

Accidents from slips, trips, and falls are common in most workplaces. However, they can sometimes be more serious. Some causes of slips, trips, and falls are uneven surfaces, obstacles, trailing cables, and wet surfaces. Construction sites often have rough terrain, high places, and materials lying around in the path. Such things increase the chance for a worker to trip or slip and eventually sustain injury.

• Noise

Using heavy machines at construction sites can create loud and repetitive noises. Prolonged exposure to such loud noises can cause hearing problems, such as deafness. It falls under the responsibility of the employer to carry out comprehensive noise risks assessment and provide PPE where necessary.

• Asbestos

Asbestos refers to a set of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Mostly found in old construction sites. A construction worker needs to be aware of Asbestos. When disturbed, asbestos particles can fly into the air, increasing the chance of a person inhaling it. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. As inhalation of asbestos fibers are not something one has control over. Therefore, you must know your surroundings when working at a construction site. Courses like Asbestos awareness training are some learning sources that can educate a person on identifying the presence of Asbestos at construction sites. Other topics that asbestos awareness training covers are identifying and managing Asbestos-containing materials and using personal protective equipment for safety.

• Electricity

Exposure to electricity wires is a common threat in construction sites. Touching these live parts directly or indirectly can cause harm to a human’s health. HSE reports that approximately 1,000 electrical accidents every year are reported at work. The leading cause of electrical accidents is insufficient knowledge regarding electrical wires. In a construction site, an employer should only allow a competently trained professional to carry out electrical work. A trained professional would be less at risk of electrical shocks than an incompetent person.

Benefits of complying with regulations and training

• Reduced injuries and fatalities: Safety regulations and training can significantly reduce the number of accidents on construction sites. Workers trained in safety procedures are more likely to recognize potential hazards. Allowing them to take appropriate precautions to avoid accidents.
• Increased productivity: Complying with legislation helps in creating a safer workplace. Workers trained and aware of the safety procedures are less likely to encounter delays due to accidents or injuries. When more skilled employees would be available to perform their tasks, then the efficiency of a firm increases.
• Cost savings: Injuries and casualties at construction sites would incur extra costs for the firm. These costs can come in the shape of medical expenses or compensational claims. By promoting a safe work environment and giving their employees training, employers can reduce these unwanted costs.
• Improved morale: High and job satisfaction are other benefits of a secure workplace. When employees feel safe and cared for, they are more satisfied and motivated. Thus, concentrating more on their work and giving a better output.

Conclusion

Safety regulations at construction sites range from various types, and all play the same role in protecting the workplace. By complying with rules and identifying the hazards in a workplace, employers can ensure a safer and more productive work environment. Additionally, proper training can also make a big difference. Training educates a person on becoming competent enough to care for themselves while working. Training also educates a person on another critical aspect of workplace safety. Therefore, employers must provide their workers with training and safety procedures. In this blog, we have summarized the regulation associated with construction sites and highlighted the types of hazards present in a workplace. By understanding the importance of law compliance and training, you, as an employer, can also lead your organization toward success.