One of the places where one cannot err on the side of caution is at a construction site. Danger looms around a construction site. Falls, hits from dropping items, the collapse of the edifice, and slipping off are all potential hazards of construction sites. Although unforeseen circumstances make it impossible to declare a construction site completely safe, there are still safety tips that will minimize the risk to the nearest minimum. Here are 5 tips to remember when managing a construction:
Note: These tips will include construction safety tips, their importance, and how to avoid injuries.
1. Personal protect equipment
Every personnel must have a PPE. Personal protective equipment will include:
- Hard hat
- Industrial boots
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Mask
Hard hat
Possible impact to the head due to falling objects obligates everyone at a construction site to put on hard hats. A hard hat is well reinforced to shield the head from fatal hits.
Industrial boots
Industrial boots protect the feet from sharp objects on a worksite. Additionally, industrial boots are designed to be non-slip to reduce slips and falls.
Gloves
Construction projects involve several fields. While the concrete and carpentry sections seem to need gloves to lift heavy objects, electricians also use insulated gloves to ensure safety. Tilt wall construction using an insulated concrete form(ICF) will require the use of gloves during installation as well as similar protective equipment.
Goggles
A pair of goggles is a protective gear worn to protect the eyes from debris while at work. It’s mandatory even for all workers to protect the eyes from sparks and other attendant hazardous materials present at a construction site.
Mask
A nose mask is essential to shield the noise from dust and debris in the construction of concrete based things like tilt-wall construction, drilling into bricks, flooring, etc.
2. Danger assessment and precautions
Managing a construction site requires a thorough assessment of the work area to spot danger zones and put safety measures in place. One such example is to fix fire extinguishers in strategic places to curb the spread of fire should it arise. For example, when fixing handrails along the stairs, the right safety guards must be in place to prevent accidents.
Additionally, first aid must be available and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. This way, quick care can be administered before a transfer to a medical facility will suffice.
3. Appropriate use of equipment
Equipment must be used the right way, and for the purpose for which it was designed. For example, a ladder must be constantly checked to fix damages, and also importantly, it mustn’t carry more than the stipulated weight it can bear. Another instance is the use of proper hand gloves by electricians. Electricians do well to use insulated gloves only!
4. Remove dangers to reduce risks
All workers must be alert to their work areas. This enables everyone to spot hazards and get rid of them. For example, despite the use of handrails, spilled liquids should be promptly dried, ladders should always be dry, avoid overreaching for objects, and more. The eradication of risks from the work site makes it a safer place.
5. Proper spacing
Proper spacing is often overlooked at construction sites. Sadly, disregarding this often increases exposure to injuries which may be fatal at times. When a large machine is at work, only the personnel in charge should stand near. Others who are not part of the group should not become spectators amusing themselves with the view. Added to that, when a worker is busy with a large work tool, enough space is necessary to avoid risk; so, others should stay back.
All of the analyzed safety tips are essential to keep a construction site safe and prevent all forms of injuries that can hamper the wellbeing of workers or may result in death.
About the Author: Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
