The construction industry can pose many different risks to employees and to the general public, so it’s vital to put measures in place to maintain safety standards.
Not only do safety protocols help protect employees, they can also help make sure the business doesn’t suffer through downtime caused by sickness or injury suffered on site. This helps to keep productivity and efficiency high.
So how do businesses in the construction industry create a safe, working environment for all involved? There are multiple factors that are taken into account to increase safety.
Risk assessments
Each site and task should be thoroughly assessed to identify any risks and so that measures can be put in place to mitigate or remove them. Where risks can’t be removed completely, hazards should be managed appropriately with equipment, safety training and best practice.
Examples of risks include being struck by moving vehicles or machinery, falling when working at height and breathing in excessive amounts of dust or other materials, which can lead to chronic conditions such as COPD. Working in extreme temperatures also poses a risk.
Personal protective equipment
On site construction workers are typically required to wear safety glasses and hard hats. When working under poor lighting, workers will likely be required to wear head torches like those from RS to ensure tasks can be carried out with minimal risk.
Hi-vis vests are also essential so employees remain seen, which is especially important when working around large plant machinery. Footwear should be suitable for the job and consist of sturdy material to prevent injury. Masks can help prevent inhaling damaging materials.
Harnesses should be used when working at height or when using certain types of scaffolding.
Health and safety training
Employers should make sure that all workers, including subcontractors, are aware of the risk assessment and know how to use all equipment safely. Regular training should be provided, with updates in the case of new machinery or changes to work processes.
Staff should also know who to report any issues to and who to contact in case of an emergency.
Signage
Hazard warning signs should be used to warn of risks such as falling debris, hazardous chemicals and plant machinery, so workers know exactly what to be aware of in particular zones. Safety signs should also give information about fire exits, right of way and first aid supplies.
Other signs might instruct the public to keep out and identify areas with restricted access. It’s important that everyone working on the site follows the signage information.
Finally, construction sites should be kept secure to ensure the public can’t gain access to a potentially dangerous environment.
