Construction is a vital part of our world, providing housing, entertainment, and business structures. However, you may not be aware of some of the sacrifice that is involved in getting these construction projects off the ground. Unfortunately, construction can be a very dangerous profession. The good news is safety continues to be pushed toward the forefront with organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which was established to put protections in place for workplaces. Here are some essential construction safety tips you not only need to be aware of but also need to follow.
Protective Equipment
There are many circumstances on a construction site that can be hazardous to your health. This is why OSHA has standards in place for construction equipment. These standards ensure that workers are protected in every way possible by wearing necessary protective equipment like helmets, gloves, goggles, safety earmuffs, and more. This equipment and more can protect construction workers from potential accidents and other elements like loud noises that they are exposed to on a site.
Protective Systems
Another precaution put into place on a construction site is protective systems. This is a common practice in trenching and there are three systems that are typically used: shoring, shielding, and sloping. In addition to protective systems for trenches, there are also ones used for falls because of how often they cause work-related deaths. According to OSHA, in 2018, 338 out of 1,008 construction-related deaths (33.5 percent) resulted from falls. To prevent any fall hazards, safety nets, guardrail systems, or personal fall arrest systems might be put into place.
Proper Training
The third essential construction site safety tip relates to the equipment that is used. The various heavy-duty equipment that is often employed on projects can present a number of dangers. This is why operators need to have the necessary training and experience, not only so they can perform their tasks correctly, but also so they can be aware of potential accidents that might occur.
Necessary Documents
In relation to proper training, it is essential to keep track of important documents, especially when they relate to the safety of employees, equipment, and the site in general. There are various certifications operators may need to obtain that prove their knowledge of construction site safety. It is the responsibility of the company to check for these documents to ensure that their employees have the right amount of experience to safely work on a construction site.
Follow Regulations
Companies need to follow OSHA safety regulations. Promoting and executing the previously mentioned steps can truly save lives. These procedures are put into place for a reason, and it’s crucial that they are followed carefully.
Safety Attachments
Some construction equipment also has safety guard attachments that can keep workers safe from hazardous machinery parts. This is accomplished by covering operator exposure to dangers like rotating parts, chips, sparks, and in-running nip points. Machine guarding is a valuable tool that you should be using to prevent a potential threat to your health when on the job. If it’s available, don’t hesitate to use it.
Supervision
One way that you can follow regulations is by carrying out supervision on a construction site. A supervisor will monitor the progress on a construction site and ensure that operators and subcontractors follow safety procedures. Being held accountable is a key component of maintaining a safe working environment in construction, which is part of the supervisor’s responsibilities.
Effective Communication
A useful tool that is helpful in any working environment is effective communication. In construction, there are many ways this can be accomplished that can improve the safety of a site. For starters, it can prevent potential issues by ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page. This can be accomplished by using communication devices like walkie talkies with everyone on the site. Another method to increase the safety on a construction site is to utilize signs. Construction signs can alert those on a site as well as civilians in the area. There’s no place for silence in construction work, and communicating in as many ways as possible is another means to maximize safety.
Regular Maintenance
Construction site maintenance also needs upkeep for safety as well as other purposes. For example, there is commonly a lot of debris on a construction site, which can easily spread. As it turns out, the spread of debris is one of the biggest health risks construction workers face because it can cause lung issues and more. To prevent such a hazard, construction sites reduce the spread of debris by hosing it down with water. In addition to maintenance, construction sites will also put up borders that will block the wind. Regular maintenance also has to do with the equipment itself, so make sure you are keeping up with inspections and ensuring that it’s working properly before use. These are necessary actions that one wouldn’t think about at first but commonly used for the protection of those on a construction site.
Utilize Technology
A final safety tip has to do with technology, which will always have a major role in our lives. Advancements in construction technology has not only improved efficiency but has also helped with safety. Some modern uses of technology on a construction site that can keep workers safe include the following:
Connected hardhats for easier communications
Drones for monitoring
Virtual reality and augmented reality for training
Robot demolition
Construction work can be improved in countless ways, thanks to technology. Not to mention all of the previously mentioned safety tips can be enhanced by technology in some fashion. Therefore, many construction companies are looking for new tactics on how to implement technology into their work.
Safety is a primary concern for Diamond Concrete Sawing. We offer robotic demolition, wire sawing, road and bridge sawing, slab sawing, core drilling, curb sawing, and concrete radar and location services. With over 40 years of experience, Diamond Concrete Sawing is committed to providing its clients with quality work, which means putting safety first too.
