Construction site accidents are all too common, but they can have serious consequences. Not only can accidents impact the physical and emotional health of the workers, but these mishaps can also delay projects and make it difficult to get crews onsite to handle the critical tasks. By following a few tips, you can reduce the chances of having major incidents and keep your construction site safe.
Concerning Statistics
It’s no secret that construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work. In fact, out of nearly 4,700 worker fatalities in 2016, 21.1 percent were in the construction industry, according to statistics from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The highest risks include falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and being caught in or between walls or other objects.
OSHA Training
One of the best ways to protect your construction site is to require every worker who will be on the site at any point to attend an OSHA training session. OSHA provides detailed training manuals and resources designed to help construction companies create their own training for their workers. It’s important to follow their guidelines and topics to ensure that every worker on the site receives training that applies to their job. Some of these topics include fall prevention, hazard communication standards, general requirements in scaffolding, respiratory protection, and ladders.
Maintain Proper Signage
On a construction site, it’s impossible to communicate updates to every worker when people are coming and going at all hours of the day. You could have the concrete team starting their pours early in the morning, while some crews could come in later to avoid the hottest part of the day. In order to maintain effective communication, all updates should be posted in a visible place. Those working on the site should know where to look for important updates and check in at that spot first when they arrive to work.
Use signage to communicate any rules or regulations, such as when and where personal protective equipment must be worn. You should also post signs indicating which areas of the site are off-limits.
Keep it Clean
Cleanliness can deter workplace accidents in all industries, and construction is no exception. Although you will have a lot of dirt, keeping pathways clear and free of debris can eliminate tripping hazards and concerns of stepping on something dangerous. Vehicles and equipment are easier to maneuver when the driver can get through the site. Establish rules around cleaning up the site frequently and make sure your workers stick to them.
Develop a Reporting System
You should also have a reporting system in place, which allows workers to report potentially hazardous conditions on the site. Make sure everyone who works on the site knows the proper chain of command for reporting. Additionally, those who receive any reports must be aware of who to pass the information along to so that the issue can be resolved quickly.
If you have experienced a construction site accident, contact the law offices of David W. Singer & Associates, P.A. for more information. We have experience with construction cases and can be your best resource in this case.
