As a contractor, you know the importance of safety. So you take precautions to ensure that you and your crew are safe while on the job site. As construction sites can be dangerous due to heavy machinery and working with strong chemicals, you don’t want to risk anyone getting hurt.
But even with all of your precautions in place, there are some things that you should never ignore. There’s no telling what can happen while working on a project, as ignoring one safety precaution can lead to negative consequences.
Here are six safety precautions that contractors should never ignore.
1. Helmet Safety
Construction workers are exposed to various potential hazards while on the job, from falling debris to power tools. As a result, it is essential that they take precautions to protect themselves from injury.
A hard hat is one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment for construction workers. Research found that 84% of construction workers who suffer a head injury while on the job weren’t wearing a helmet. Hard hats help protect the head from impact and provide a measure of protection against electrical shock.
In addition, hard hats can help to keep debris out of the eyes and face, providing an additional layer of safety. By wearing a hard hat, construction workers can significantly reduce their risk of sustaining severe injury.
2. Equipment Safety
Construction workers are exposed to many potential hazards while on the job, including falls, electrical shocks, and being struck by heavy equipment. Therefore, employers must provide specific safety equipment to help protect workers from these and other dangers. This equipment includes self-dumping hoppers, which collect and dispose of construction debris.
Self-dumping hoppers have several safety features, including a mechanism that automatically closes the dumping door when the hopper is full. This prevents workers from being hit by falling debris.
In addition, self-dumping hoppers are equipped with an emergency stop button, which can quickly shut off the power in case of an accident. As a result, construction workers can contribute to a safer work environment by using self-dumping hoppers.
3. Protection From Falls and Scaffolding
Construction workers are constantly exposed to potential fall hazards while on the job. In fact, falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for nearly 40% of all fatal accidents each year.
OSHA’s data shows that 2.3 million workers use scaffolding annually, and approximately 4,500 injuries and 52 fatalities result from scaffold-related accidents. While scaffolding provides a safe work platform for many construction workers, it is also susceptible to collapse if not properly maintained.
For this reason, all workers must receive proper fall and scaffolding protection training before working on or around scaffolds. Construction workers can reduce the risk of devastating accidents by understanding scaffold risks.
4. Safety When Trenching
Trenching is a common construction activity but can also be one of the most dangerous. Collapses are a leading cause of death and injury in construction, and trenches are particularly susceptible to collapse. Therefore, the importance of trenching safety training for construction workers cannot be overstated.
Trenching involves digging a narrow, deep hole in the ground, and the sides of the trench can easily cave in if they’re not properly supported. So workers must know how to correctly identify soil types prone to collapse and shore up the trench walls.
They also need to be aware of the dangers of working close to power lines or other underground utilities. By taking the proper precautions, construction workers can help prevent tragic accidents.
5. Creating a Safety Strategy
Construction workers are exposed to various potential hazards while on the job. To ensure their safety, contractors must have a comprehensive safety strategy. Workers in the construction industry face many hazards, including falls from heights, objects falling on them, and being caught between heavy machinery or crushed.
Contractors need to implement various safety measures, such as providing personal protective equipment, installing fall-prevention devices, and conducting regular safety training to minimize these risks. These precautions can help contractors keep their workers safe and reduce job site accidents.
6. Establishing a Safety Culture in the Workplace
One way to help reduce the number of construction accidents is to promote a safety culture among workers. A safety culture is an organizational approach that values safe work practices and encourages employees to report hazards.
By fostering a safety culture, construction companies can help ensure that workers know potential dangers and how to protect themselves. In addition, a safety culture can help to identify and address hazards before they lead to accidents. As the construction industry continues to grow, contractors must prioritize safety and create a culture that values safe work practices.
Taking These Precautions Will Ensure Everyone Remains Safe
Safety should always be a contractor’s number one priority. Following the safety precautions outlined in this article can help ensure that your job site is safe for everyone involved. Prevention is always better than cure, so take the time to plan and implement these safety measures on your next project.
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