Safety should be the number one priority at any job site. First and foremost, everyone has the right to go home safely at the end of the day. Furthermore, these protocols and procedures will keep insurance rates low and work efficiency high.
Here are the top five safety priorities for construction sites for long-term success and wellness.
High-Quality Equipment
Purchasing and using high-quality equipment will contribute to the durability of assets on the job site. This consideration is enhanced when companies invest in the best possible safety-oriented equipment, such as SafeRack loading racks. By investing in equipment from a supplier that prioritizes safety, you keep your workers secure and able.
In addition to investing in high-quality equipment, you need to ensure that the equipment on site is inspected regularly. Inspections are necessary for structural equipment, machinery, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Training and Awareness
Knowledge is the best weapon against workplace accidents. Invest in training your workers about site safety procedures and expectations. Don’t hesitate to mandate refresher training sessions bi-annually and post checklists and safety policies around the common areas of the job site. It’s also a good idea to complete the osha 10 hour course.
In addition to teaching procedures, have a new hire onboarding process that ensures new workers are fully aware of potential hazards on the site. Make this a mandatory part of the onboarding process, regardless of if someone is new to construction or a seasoned worker.
Training shouldn’t be limited to accident and injury prevention; it should also cover what to do when an incident occurs. Offer workers first responder training, such as CPR and first aid.
Create standard operating procedures regarding incident reporting and documentation in the form of an Emergency Response Plan. Cover common workplace hazards, as well as natural disasters. Identify key personnel to be notified and evacuation plans for each job site.
Clear Communication
Communication is essential on a job site. A lack of communication can result in tragic or costly accidents that could ultimately derail the project.
Provide equipment that allows for quick, clear communication, such as walkie-talkies and company mobile phones. Consider having morning round-up meetings to discuss what’s been accomplished and what has yet to be addressed, so everyone starts the day on the same page.
Create an easy-to-understand hierarchy and set of procedures for incident reporting and encourage workers to speak up.
Supervision and Vigilance
Complacency is a killer, and perhaps the most significant threat on the job site. All construction companies should identify a safety manager that’s responsible for daily inspections and flagging potential issues.
Remind workers of the “Fatal Four” on a construction site:
- Falls
- Electrocution
- Getting caught or pinned by equipment
- Getting struck by objects
The fatal four are responsible for more than half of worksite deaths, and prevention would save hundreds of construction workers’ lives each year.
Safety Policy Enforcement
Once a safety policy has been put in place, it’s up to management to ensure it’s enforced. In many cases, exceptions are made for people who forget a piece of PPE or when timelines are becoming lax. It’s these exceptions that can result in an injury that will further delay a project and potentially ruin lives.
As challenging as it can be at times, it’s integral that management enforces the rules and puts a stop to work if it doesn’t meet the standards. While it might cost money now, the return on investment is immeasurable.
Safety Matters
Failing to provide a safe work environment sets the business up for serious liability concerns. Tools and equipment preservation are one thing, but human resources are the most valuable asset at any job. Keep your people safe, and your company will be a success.
