Construction worksites are full of potential dangers, which is why it is important that workers follow safety rules and take measures to prevent any type of accident from happening. This blog will go over 5 safety tips for your workers’ well-being.
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Watch Your Step While Getting in or Out of Equipment
Incredible as it seems, a big number of workplace accidents take place while getting in or out of equipment. Many different factors can cause someone to fall and injure themselves while doing so. The risk of injury immensely goes down if you do the following:
- Check your boots and gloves for mud or anything slippery on them
- Get a foot/hand hold before hoisting yourself up onto equipment
- Use a ladder
- Avoid rushing; take your time to get in or out of the equipment properly
- Ask for help if needed. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a helping hand
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Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
It is essential that you wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the job. Preventing an accident is the best way to ensure the safety of all workers. Accidents happen all the time, but the chances of them happening can be greatly reduced with the right equipment. The main types of PPE needed on job sites include:
- Head protection
- Eye and face protection
- Respiratory Protection
- Hand and skin protection
- Hearing Protection
For better protection, make sure the right equipment is being worn for the right job. This means investing in craft-specific PPE, such as specialty gloves for welding or concrete work.
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Be Attentive at All Times
No matter where you’re at, there are always potential hazards lying around the entire worksite. Being attentive can make all the difference. There’s always a chance of equipment rolling over if workers are loading/unloading. Remember to always keep ramps cleared to allow for space for workers to easily move in case of an emergency. While walking around, always pay attention to your surroundings for falling objects or trip hazards.
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Ladder and Stair Hazards
For workers that are frequently climbing up ladders and stairs, it is important that you do the following to make sure accidents don’t happen:
- Inspect the ladder before using it. Check for loose, damaged, worn, weak, or otherwise broken spots.
- Avoid standing or sitting on the top end of ladders
- Keep the stairs and ladder clean, dry, and uncluttered at all times
- Do not use metal ladders in rainy or wet conditions
When using a ladder, remember to choose one that is at least 3 to 4 feet taller than the location you’re trying to reach. Never overreach as you can lose your balance. While climbing and descending, keep your hands free at all times. If you need to take tools with you, then a tool belt will be needed.
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Crowded Work Areas
When it comes to construction, it could easily get crowded. Especially if there is large machinery in operation. If large machinery is in use, it is important that people remain as far away as possible from the operating area. Foreman should enforce this rule and go over this at safety meetings. While walking through a construction zone by foot, the danger of falling debris such as nails, tools, and construction materials are high. That is why it is essential to keep the area clear. If something goes wrong, there should be space for workers to have space to react to a potential hazard and avoid it.
No matter what job is being performed, we all know that safety always comes first. That’s why it is important that workers have an understanding of the safety rules that need to be followed. We hope this blog helps you ensure that your construction site is safe and efficient. At Extreme Safety, your safety is our business! For all of your safety needs, visit our website, or give us a call at 310-856-0166 today!
