Construction jobs are considered high-risk, as accidents on the site are quite common. About 20% of all workplace injuries and deaths emerge from the construction industry. Construction workers are constantly faced with challenges because their daily regime consists of difficult tasks, such as lifting heavy equipment, operating powerful machinery, working at heights, and walking around chemicals, dust, and debris all day. The most common injuries among construction workers result from falls from high places and falling/flying debris. California Personal Injury Lawyer insists that construction sites can be one of the safest locations to work if you practice the following safety procedures:
1. Regular Training
Highly skilled workers on the job can avert all kinds of accidents or fallouts. Everyone working on the construction site must be well trained for the task they are assigned. Arranging regular training sessions or refresher courses will help the staff stay at the top of their game. Whenever the equipment or technology is upgraded, it is compulsory to educate the workers to properly utilize it.
2. Daily Meeting and Audit
Every construction site is not the same, so a daily meeting and audit is helpful to summarize the tasks at hand and ensure sound working conditions. The workers can report any potential threats or dangerous conditions at the site during the assembly, so that they are eliminated as soon as possible.
3. Provide all the necessary PPEs
Workers must have access to all PPEs (personal protection equipment) adhering to their working environment and nature of job. Visibility clothing would be suitable where driving vehicles and large machinery is involved. Hard hats can save the worker from head injuries during slip & fall accidents, and from falling debris; wide brimmed hats are suitable to shield from sun glare. Safety goggles shall protect the eyes from dust and chemicals. Hard boots, full body suits, and gloves can protect from other bodily injuries.
4. Eliminate Workplace Hazards
When a hazard is noticed or reported at the workplace, immediate action is required. Whether it is faulty wiring, a chemical spill, defective equipment, or anything else, repairs or removal must be a priority.
5. Discourage Night Shifts
The probability of construction accidents is elevated in the late hours due to decreased visibility and fatigue. It is favorable to get the work done during daylight hours.
6. Keep the Workplace Clean
Debris, dust, chemicals, and abandoned tools/equipment lying across the workplace promote accidents. Inhaling toxic particles/fumes, contact with sharp/harmful objects, or slipping over trash/rubble can cause severe injuries or illnesses. Keeping the workplace clean, bright, airy, and easy to move around at all times.
7. Proper Storage
Establish strict rules regarding storage and placement of all tools/equipment, in order to avoid chaos and clutter. Workers will not lose things or create obstacles for others on the site.
8. Prevent Dehydration and Malnutrition
Construction work typically involves a lot of physical exertion. Drinking water must always be available in proximity, so workers can quench their thirst. Workers need nutritious meals to replenish their energy and retain strength.
9. Approve Regular Breaks
Allow workers to rest when they feel tired or exhausted after a task. They can get back to work after they catch a breath and feel stabilized. A drained or weary worker may harm himself/herself and others around.
10. Inhibit Falls
As falling from heights is the most frequent cause of construction injuries, one should take measures to resolve the problem. The fall protection system may include installation of guardrails, toe boards, harnesses, scaffoldings, nets, screens, or canopy structures.
