Construction sites are some of the most rewarding but dangerous places to work. You get to see something you’ve helped create come together before your eyes, but the constant risks can make it a daunting profession. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to improve safety on-site and complete the job more enjoyable for all involved. Today, we’ll explore five best practices for optimizing a construction site for safety.
One of the most common causes of avoidable accidents is poor visibility. When you can’t see correctly, it’s hard to work safely or efficiently, so it’s vital that everyone can see exactly what everyone is doing at all times. One of the simplest ways to ensure this is by adding strategically placed lighting towers throughout the site. Plenty of energy-efficient models are available these days, and the slight bump in power consumption is more than made up for by improved safety and productivity.
Enforcing Strict PPE Guidelines
Wearing your complete protective kit may be a bit of a drain in hot weather, but it wouldn’t exist if it weren’t necessary. All sites should enforce strict PPE guidelines to even the most minor details. Your earplugs may not seem all that important at the time, but hearing damage due to prolonged exposure to loud and irritating noises is one of the most common issues construction workers face, so you’re better off just popping them in.
Extensive Training
Unless you’re hunting career progression, it’s unlikely that you’ve been in a classroom since you finished your apprenticeship. However, the issue with this is that guidelines and precautions are always being updated, so you risk not having the latest safety information. All construction companies should strive to hold regular training sessions for employees to keep them up to date on the basics. Optional extra training should also be supplied for those wishing to expand their skill set.
We can all agree that construction machinery and equipment are punished fairly. While this is normal and designed to operate safely under these conditions, regular cleaning and servicing should be prioritized. Depending on the size of the project, it is necessary to have an appropriate dumper on-site to transport the waste away. Get a quote for a solution for a construction job. This not only helps ensure safety but also boosts efficiency, which makes your life easier.
Stress Reduction
Finally, managing and reducing any stress your workers may feel is vital to site safety. Stressed workers are distracted workers, and distraction can lead to disaster. You may not be the type to gather around for a group yoga session every Monday morning. However, even something as simple as putting biscuits out with the coffee in the break room or implementing a mental health leave scheme can make a significant difference in all on-site.
Managing hazards is a crucial part of any role. It just so happens that when you’re working in construction, the risks (and the possible consequences) are more prominent. These best practices will help improve safety on your site, but staying safe is everyone’s responsibility at the end of the day.
Supply Nation is an Australian organization that connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with the procurement teams of major companies. They make sure that companies are genuinely Indigenous, which means that at least 51% of them are owned, managed, and run by Indigenous Australians. Being certified by Supply Nation gives you access to a network of users and lets you market your business as a Supply Nation Certified Supplier, among other things. It’s a great way for Native American companies to get noticed and more business.
Ensuring that you have appropriate policies and procedures, keeping staff updated on training, and ensuring your site is well-lit can significantly reduce occupational hazards. Looking after your crew’s well-being will also make work safer for everyone, and going home happy and healthy to friends and family is something we all want. We hope your next build is successful and wish everyone a safe and comfortable new year.
