Having a safe workplace is an essential part of doing business for any construction company. However, it can be difficult to maintain a safe work environment given the nature of the job. Many construction sites are unregulated and workers may not always follow best practices for their specific jobsite. This can create an unsafe work environment that can put employees at risk and put owners at risk for fines and lawsuits from injured workers and their families.There are many ways construction companies can improve safety on construction sites; however, it is important to first understand the risks and hazards that exist at each job site. Understanding these risks will help construction managers and owners identify potential areas for improvement in order to create safer work environments that can help protect employees from potentially serious injuries and fatalities.
Identify Risks at Your Job Site
The first step in improving safety at your job site is to identify the risks that exist at your site. These risks may vary based on the type of project your company is working on. It is important to understand these risks in order to develop a safety plan that can help reduce the likelihood of an employee or contractor being injured.There are many types of hazards that can exist at construction sites. Some of the most common risks include falls, being struck by a vehicle and working at elevated heights. Each of these risks can lead to serious injuries and fatalities if not properly addressed. Falls are especially risky at construction sites, as many sites are unsecured and have loose material and debris that can lead to falls without proper protection. Being struck by a vehicle can also be dangerous for employees who are working in an area where there is heavy traffic.
Falls
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that construction is one of the most dangerous industries for workers who are exposed to risks of falls. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the rate of fatalities due to falls in the construction industry was 27.6 per 100,000 workers. This is more than 10 times the rate in other industries. Falls account for the majority of construction fatalities, with more than 50 percent of all construction worker fatalities resulting from a fall-related injury.While it is important to note that falls can occur anywhere, they are most prevalent in areas where workers are working at heights. The majority of these incidents occur from fall hazards on permanent or semi-permanent elevated working surfaces, such as buildings under construction, elevated scaffolding, and unguarded open-side elevated walking areas.In order to reduce the risk of falling, construction employers should take steps to identify fall hazards and implement an effective fall prevention program. The program should include visual inspections of the work area, use of fall protection systems when working at heights, training in the use of fall protection systems, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when working at heights.
Working at Heights
Working at heights can become a fatal hazard if not managed properly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of fatalities due to work at heights is 3.9 per 100,000 workers. This is more than 10 times the rate in other industries.Working at heights can pose a risk to employees due to the fact that the work environment is often unstable and unsecured. This can create a situation where a fall can occur. The best way to prevent these falls is to identify the areas of the job site that are at heights and ensure that employees are using proper fall protection.The best way to identify working at heights is to use a risk assessment tool. Many construction managers use a variety of tools to help identify potential fall hazards and make sure that employees are using proper fall protection.Some of the tools that can be used to identify working at heights include a risk assessment checklist, a risk assessment form, or a job site inspection checklist.
Working on Ladders
Working on ladders is another potential hazard for employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are nearly 15,000 ladder-related injuries each year. This accounts for about 10 percent of all injuries due to falls and overexposure.There are several ways to help prevent injuries from working on ladders, including the use of fall protection systems, training, and the proper use of personal protective equipment. The majority of ladder-related injuries occur when workers are climbing down from the top of a ladder. The risk of falling while climbing up or down a ladder can be reduced by following these safety tips:
Ensure that the ladder is sturdy, sturdy ladders are designed to support workers and their equipment safely. Sturdy ladders should be at least 25 inches (62.5 cm) wide and have rungs about 12 inches (30.5 cm) apart. Wide, sturdy ladders provide excellent stability and support. They also help prevent injuries from falls.
Ensure the ladder has a sturdy foot- or toe-railing. Rungs are the primary cause of ladder-related injury, so they must be supported by a rail to prevent injury. The railings should be no more than 36 inches (91 cm) above the ground to help prevent tripping.
Don't climb a ladder in bad weather. Ladders are inherently unstable in the rain and wind, which increases the risk of falls. It's best to wait until conditions improve before climbing a ladder.
Don't climb a ladder with equipment or materials that may fall. This includes materials on the ground that may fall from the ladder or materials that are being hoisted up the ladder. These materials can cause a fall.
Working at Elevations
Elevated work sites are another area that can lead to falls and injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are more than 8,000 injuries due to elevated work each year. Working at elevated work sites can put employees at risk for injuries such as falling off the work surface, being struck by a falling object, or working on an unstable surface.There are several ways construction managers can help reduce the likelihood of injuries from elevated work sites. These include the use of fall protection systems, proper training, and the use of proper personal protective equipment.Some of the best ways to identify elevated work sites include a job site inspection checklist or a construction safety checklist. Job site inspections are an essential part of a construction safety program. The inspection should be thorough and cover a variety of areas, including safe work procedures, materials, tools, hazards, and job hazards.
Conclusion
There are many ways construction companies can improve safety on construction sites. The first step is to identify the risks and hazards that exist at your job site. This will help construction managers and owners identify potential areas for improvement in order to create safer work environments that can help protect employees from potentially serious injuries and fatalities.There are many ways construction companies can improve safety on construction sites; however, it is important to first understand the risks and hazards that exist at each job site. Understanding these risks will help construction managers and owners identify potential areas