Construction
safety is crucial in worksites to prevent injury or even death. Every
day most workers are exposed to a potentially dangerous environment. The
Construction Industry Cost Effectiveness Project estimates that
approximately $8.9 billion dollars are spent each year in the United
States as a result of accidents at construction sites. There are safety
tips for construction that you need to remember to keep your work site
safe, even if you are doing a home construction project.
1.
Review OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety
procedures. Be sure to mandate training for your workers if you are
responsible for the safety of yourself and others, so they will apply
safety practices and so they are aware of all safety requirements and
their own responsibilities. This information may bring up safety areas
you would not think of on your own if you are working on a project at
home.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you stay alert
to the movement of large equipment and loads as you move about the
grounds. Remember not to walk or stand under suspended loads. Falling
loads and debris are the cause of a large number of injuries.
3.
Use proper equipment. Most construction sites have several contractors
performing simultaneous work. Proper equipment helps protect against
falling debris. Safe construction projects adhere to safety equipment
requirements such as back supports, hardhats, steel-toed boots, safety
goggles and gloves.
4. Lift safely. Adhere to proper lifting
techniques to protect your back, arms, and legs. Wear support equipment
such as back braces if you do repetitive bending.
5.
Enter and exit heavy equipment properly. Weather elements can
compromise safe construction projects. Practice entering and exiting
equipment according to safety guidelines. Ensure personal equipment such
as work boots are free of snow, ice, mud, and other things that might
prevent safe movement.
6. Use safety when loading and unloading
equipment. When loads are over the recommended weights or unstable, the
chance of large machinery roll over is more likely. Adhere to training
when operating machinery such as forklifts. Practice quality over
quantity; work smarter even if it means not completing tasks on time.
7.
Test the strength of support structures. Before ascending a scaffolding
structure, know what limitations a structure has. Take additional
safety precautions whenever you can. In case of a fall, secure
harnesses. In case an emergency descent becomes necessary, position
extra ladders.
There are a number of other things that might
apply in each work environment, but these are seven important ones to
practice construction safety. Update your safety plan often to ensure
you conform to the latest OSHA safety policies and procedures to reduce
possible injury to yourself or co-workers.
Tags: OSHA