Simple construction site safety rules
Technological advancements have made construction projects less dangerous than in previous days. But does that mean a worker associated with this industry will experience no injuries on site? Unfortunately, accidents are inevitable no matter how technological improvements have improved the sector to reduce injury rates. That brings the discussion of the safety measures required in construction sites, whether large or small.
Construction sites are the most dangerous areas to work in. A construction worker has more likelihood of encountering physical injuries than other professionals. Thus, every construction company or project manager must prioritise the significance of safety rules. Besides protecting workers’ health, it keeps the public secure.
Failure to keep up with proper procedures puts workers and the public at risk. So, safety measures and protocols adhere to industry regulations. In addition to offering credibility, it mitigates the risks of employee injuries. Below are the simple safety rules to keep your workers and the public safe during the job.
#1 Induction and PPE
As a fresher in this industry, the construction worker must not start their work without an induction. Now, what is induction? Simply put, inductions are the legal prerequisite for each construction location to work on. It makes you familiar with the following things:
- Where you must sign in
- Where should you visit
- What you should do
- What to avoid
In short, a site induction or contractor induction is the form of introductory guidelines. It ensures new workers become familiar with the organisational layout, workplace culture, and responsibilities.
To avoid potential hazards at the construction site, one should always wear a protective outfit from day one. That calls for PPE. Personal protective equipment is the safest defence for construction workers. Basic PPE equipment types include:
- Hard hats to keep your head protected
- Feet protection equipment made of steel
- Full-length pants and shirts that will protect against cuts, burns, scrapes, and more
- Hand protection gear like welding, insulated, or rubber gloves
- Ear protective gear to manage noises of jackhammers and chainsaws
- Eye and face preventive accessories to perform activities such as welding, to grind, nailing, and cutting
#2 Keep the Area Clean
Several works associated with construction can contribute to a messy workplace. An unorganised workplace (especially in a construction site) means workers may experience slips and falls every now and then. One should consider following these tips to keep the site neat and tidy to avoid such accidents:
- De-cluttering the place by cleaning the debris
- Stack plywood, leaning lumber, and other materials in order
- Keep the plumber, protruding pipes, rebar, and other materials in an organised manner
- Clear the walkways from extension pipes
One quick note: Instruct all your workers to follow these tips to keep the area well-organised and neat.
#3 Follow safety signs and procedures
Did you know construction site safety signs get displayed for delivering safety messages and health? Undermining the importance of safety and healthy sign on these sites may mean life loss or fatal injuries. Or it may make someone lose their job. So, it is vital to use different safety signs for different purposes. Follow the given pointers to learn more about them:
Prohibition Signs
It’s usually at the entrance of the site. It’s an indication to let people know that you should not do something inside the construction premises. A few best examples are ‘stop,’‘no smoking, ‘or ‘no entry.’
Warning Signs
The warning signs are the indications that make people aware of a hazard or danger. They come in solid yellow colour. And they usually include texts like high voltage, work overload, deep excavations, asbestos, etc.
Mandatory Signs
These signs are the opposite of the prohibition signs. Rather than asking you not to do something inside the location, they indicate what you must do. They usually have a solid blue circle surrounding the text. Some examples include ‘wear safety footwear,’‘wear hard hats,’ etc.
Safe Condition Signs
These signs are opposite to the warning signs. The best examples are first aid, fire exit, and more. The texts appear surrounded by solid green squares.
#4 Report Defects
Construction defects are quite common, although maximum defects are fairly inconsequential and minor. But dangerous ones may risk damage to either the property or employees. A construction defect may include the following:
- A deficiency in the process that results from poor materials, design, or workmanship
- A deficiency leading to a failure in a structure designed during that project
- Failure causing damage to the property or person
One should report any such defects immediately after getting familiar with it during the construction project.
#5 Use the Serviced Equipment
Not each construction tool meets the requirements of all jobs. So, use the serviced equipment that makes your job quicker, speedier, and safer. It is imperative to check the equipment’s condition and safety before using them.
One quick note: Using 110v equipment on the construction site is advisable. However, the 240v tools should only get used after authorisation from the management.
#6 When In Doubt, Ask
Are you unaware of the best ways to manage safety during construction? Do you want to learn about the maintenance of any serviced equipment? Considering construction jobs are demanding and challenging always be sure of certain things.
Assuring yourself with the jobs that you perform at the site will prevent the employees and the public from hazards. And remember, it’s always better to be safe than be sorry. Refrain from mistakes because a minor blunder at the construction location may result in life loss. So, you must ask before performing the task whenever you are in doubt.
Construction workers may encounter multiple hazards at work every day. But to avoid them from experiencing machinery accidents or falling debris, it is important to raise awareness. Another excellent way to reach safety at construction site comes with SIGNAX services implementation.
SIGNAX team develops digital products to improve project management in the construction. With help of innovations and data, you can control all main indicators of the project right in your smartphone. You can be sure of current safety status of construction being remote from the site.