Working on a construction site presents numerous hazards, making safety precautions essential. In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 1,008 construction workers died on the job, often from being struck by vehicles, falling objects, or collapsing walls.
Today, let’s discuss some key strategies to help prevent accidents and prevent injuries.
Vehicle Safety
- Wear your seat belt: Always buckle up in vehicles equipped with seat belts. Avoid using them in vehicles designed for standing or without rollover protection, such as rollers on paving jobs.
- Vehicle inspections: Conduct inspections before each shift to ensure vehicles, particularly brakes, are in good working condition. Use parking brakes and wheel chocks when parked on inclines, and never exceed load capacities.
- Reversing protocols: If you must drive in reverse and have limited visibility, use a reverse alarm and have a coworker guide you. Always check for people or hazards before lifting or dumping loads.
- Safe driving practices: Avoid driving in poorly constructed areas, and ensure all personnel are clear before operating lifting equipment. Forklift operators must be trained, equipment inspected, and safe operating procedures followed. Travel slowly and be vigilant for hazards.
- Traffic management: In areas with traffic, use barricades, traffic signs, and flaggers as necessary. Workers should wear high-visibility clothing, particularly reflective gear at night, and ensure proper lighting is used.
Protection from Falling or Flying Objects
- Equipment inspection: Regularly check tools, cranes, and hoists to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Preventive measures: Use toeboards, screens, and guardrails on scaffolds to stop tools or materials from falling. Never work under suspended loads and ensure hazard areas are barricaded with warning signs.
- Material storage: Store materials at least six feet away from openings and ten feet from unguarded exterior walls. Avoid overloading tools and ensure all tools are in good condition before use.
- Tool safety raining: Train workers on the safe operation of power tools and ensure that all safety guards are in place. Keep work areas clear of clutter and secure tools to prevent them from falling.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Always wear hard hats, safety glasses, and other necessary protective gear to shield against falling debris.
Preventing Accidents with Concrete or Masonry Walls
To avoid being struck by materials during the construction of walls:
- Load safety: Do not place loads on concrete structures until a qualified person confirms it is safe. Shore up structures until permanent supports are in place, and test concrete for adequate strength.
- Lifting device safety: Never overload lifting equipment. Use automatic devices to support forms in case of lifting mechanism failure.
- Fall protection: When fall protection is not feasible, use a Personal Fall Arrest System with a full-body harness to mitigate risks.
Proper training is vital for maintaining safety on construction sites. Ensure you are well-educated and trained in both the tasks at hand and the equipment you will use. By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents while also protecting the well-being of other workers.