Being a construction worker can be one of the most dangerous jobs. Construction workers are exposed to dangers throughout their workday, and construction is usually the industry with the highest fatalities each year. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 1,000 construction workers die due to work-related causes every year.
You can avoid injuries, accidents, and other health risks on a construction site by following some safety rules and precautions. Here are five construction safety tips that every worker should know.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) all the time
Everyone working at a construction site should wear the necessary PPE to minimize exposure to potential hazards on the worksite, like falling objects or heavy machinery. Protective gear may include strong hats, helmets, heavy-duty gloves, goggles, masks, and boots.
It’s also essential to have a backup supply of PPE at the construction site. This can help ensure every worker has access to necessary gear in case they forget or misplace their own. However, make sure to take care of your gear and store them in a safe, dry place.
- Limit crowd sizes in work areas
Crowding is quite common on construction sites, particularly when you have a huge team of workers. However, if not properly managed, crowds can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Therefore, ensure you limit the number of workers who can be together in one work area.
For instance, if a piece of heavy machinery is in use, tell everyone not directly involved in the task to leave until it’s complete. Although it isn’t your responsibility to ensure people are standing back, you should also make sure no one is standing near the machine.
- Use caution on ladders
Improper use of ladders is the leading cause of falls for construction workers, causing injuries or even deaths. Some of the reasons ladders fall include:
- Incorrect ladder choice
- Failure to secure the ladder properly
- Carrying tools or materials by hand while climbing
Always maintain three points of contact (both feet and at least one hand) while climbing up or down a ladder. A portable ladder should be long enough to be placed at a stable angle and extend 3 feet above the work surface. You should also inspect all ladders before daily use, mark out defective ones, and take them out for repair.
- Keep the work area clean
While unclean work areas are a norm, dirt, and debris can wreak havoc on a construction site. A cluttered workplace can be a hazard and may make staying safe on the job difficult. Be sure to keep the work areas clean every day to reduce the number of slips and trips. Remove debris, dust, loose nails, and stagnant water from backfilling and excavation before beginning your daily work.
- Report potential hazards or near misses
When you notice an issue on a construction site, don’t ignore it; report it immediately to your supervisor. Fill out an incident or near-miss report, or simply tell your supervisor. Use whatever procedure on your construction site to report any health or safety concerns.
Endnote
Safety is extremely essential in construction jobs as construction workers are at greater risk for injuries than people in other industries. Follow these simple construction safety tips to help ensure all workers and supervisors on a construction site are safe.
