March 18, 2020 Keeping Construction Sites Safe

How to keep construction sites safe during rainy weather.

Australia’s wet season can be a challenging time of the year for those who work in construction. For one thing, heavy rains can cause the ground to turn muddy, making it difficult to get around. And even a tiny bit of rain can make roofs, scaffolding, and walkways very slippery. Strong winds can also push people around and cause them to lose their footing. All in all, these factors greatly increase the likelihood of accidents happening on-site.

To make matters worse, rain can also damage tools, materials, and equipment. The time it would take to replace or repair them could severely delay any ongoing project.

Fortunately, there are measures you can take to avoid these hazards. When it comes to ensuring everyone’s safety, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Protect What You Can from the Rain

While you can’t do much to stop the rain, you can do something to minimise the damage it can bring to the job site. Scaffold sheeting can be temporarily placed to protect the site from weather damage. Materials and equipment can also be covered with waterproof tarps to keep them dry.

You should also pay attention to hazards that could harm employees. Remind them to remove loose tools and materials from the work area. They should also tie down any structures that look like they might come loose. Doing so will prevent items from being blown around and becoming a safety hazard.

Prepare an Emergency Response Plan

Even with safety precautions in place, there may be times when water damage can still occur. In cases like these, it’s a good idea to prepare a guide that employees can follow.

An emergency response plan can help workers know exactly what to do to mitigate water damage. Remember that responding quickly to any incident is key to stopping the damage from spreading. This could save your company from expensive repair costs.

When creating the plan, make sure to assign who will handle each step of the process. It should also cover pre-construction, active construction, and project close-out.

Wear the Right Construction Safety Gear

To keep workers safe, it’s important to stress the importance of wearing proper safety gear. On rainy days, in particular, they should wear durable raincoats. It’s also recommended to put on a few layers of clothing to prevent them from getting the chills. However, they must make sure their clothes won’t end up hindering their movement.

Workers should also wear waterproof footwear with deep treads. These will keep them from slipping while walking around the site. Hand protection with slip-proof grips are also important. These can keep them from dropping tools that could hurt themselves or other people. Goggles can also protect their eyes from wind-blown dust and other debris.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Vision

The cold temperature can cause glasses or goggles to fog up, making it hard for workers to see what they’re doing. So if you’re expecting this type of weather, recommend that your employees apply anti-fog wipes or sprays on their goggles beforehand. This can help keep their eyewear free of condensation .

It’s also a good idea to recommend that workers wear a hat or hood to keep the rain out of their eyes. Also, it’s best to remind workers to always look both ways to make sure the area is clear before moving from one point to another. Check that they also have adequate lighting equipment that can stand outdoor use. This is especially important at night when visibility is at its lowest.

In Conclusion

Construction work must continue even during the rainy season to avoid major delays. But before anything else, it’s essential to keep the job site free of workplace hazards. With the proper precautions, your employees can stay safe against the elements.

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