There is no question that working in Construction is an inherently risky and hazardous activity. Due to the nature of the work and the ongoing construction safety hazards, there is a high probability of accidents both on and off-site.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, each year, 1.7 percent of construction workers suffer an injury serious enough that they miss work. Additionally, the National Center for Biotechnology Information reported that the injury rates in Construction are 71% higher than injury rates across all industries on average.
This is why it’s crucial that employers understand the risks associated with Construction jobs and to prevent Construction accidents. By understanding the hazards and taking the right Construction site safety measures, you can create a better and safer work environment.
How to Prevent Construction Accidents: 10 Site Safety Rules
Construction sites can be dangerous places to work. By following these 10 job site safety rules, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the job.
1. Wear PPE at All Times
It is vital that you wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times while working on site. This is your first line of defense should you come in contact with any hazards. For example, wearing Hi-vis, or high-visibility clothing, makes sure that you are seen, safety boots protect your feet, and hard hats protect your skull.
2. Enforce Breaks
It is important to enforce breaks to protect your employees’ health and safety. Make sure that workers take the necessary time to rest, eat, and hydrate so that they will remain alert and focused throughout the day.
3. Feature Clear Safety Signage
By incorporating clear safety signage across a Construction site, you can help prevent injuries. Ensure that you cordon off any areas where there are dangerous hazards such as falling debris. You should also notify both employees and passers-by about any high-voltage or toxic areas.
4. Maintain Construction Equipment
Equipment accidents on a Construction site can be severely dangerous. This is why equipment maintenance is essential to decreasing accidents.
5. Hold Regular Safety Meetings
By holding regular safety meetings, you will ensure that safety protocols remain fresh in your employees’ minds. It’s important that all workers have a clear understanding of the firm’s safety measures and understand why they are essential.
6. Perform Safety Inspections
Site supervisors and team leaders should conduct safety inspections daily in order to identify and eliminate potential Construction site hazards and dangers. By reporting these potential threats, your firm will be taking steps towards avoiding serious accidents.
7. Train Your Team
Safety and compliance training courses should be required before employees begin work. Conducting ongoing safety training and refresher courses can also help prevent Construction accidents.
8. Protect Workers’ Mental Health
According to a study conducted by MATES in Construction, one in four construction workers struggles with mental health issues. It is imperative that employers ensure that working environments are as stress-free as possible.
9. Use Effective Storage Solutions
Construction workers are exposed to dangerous and toxic materials each day, which is why it’s important that effective material storage solutions are put in place. This will ensure that items do not fall into the wrong hands, which could lead to an accident.
10. Employ Fall Protection
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury on Construction sites. Therefore, protection protocols and equipment should be mandatory for all employees.
Get in Touch
At Workrise, quality and safety are our top priorities. We offer more than 200 flexible safety, compliance, and HSE training courses online and in-person. Together, we will find the right courses to ensure the workers on your job site meet your requirements.
Let us help you with training, staffing, technology, and professional services so you can get back to focusing on what you do best. Visit our website at workrise.com.
For more information, reach out to our Health, Safety, and Environment team at HSE@workrise.com.
