August 24, 2020 Safety in Construction

The site rules all your workers should know.

Construction and safety should go hand in hand. And for the most part, hard-working builders, bricklayers, plant machinery drivers etc work within safety guidelines and feel safe on construction sites. However, despite due diligence and strict health and safety protocols, accidents and injuries still occur.

And when an accident occurs on a construction site, the injuries sustained are often serious, costing potentially thousands in workers’ compensation claims or personal injury cases, slowing down construction projects and leaving other construction workers feeling unsafe. As an employer, it’s your duty to ensure that everyone on the construction site follows strict guidelines and safety rules.

Here we’ll explore the site rules that all your construction workers should know.

PPE must be worn at all times

If your site workers aren’t wearing their PPE, then it can’t protect them. Falling objects, projectiles, moving heavy machinery, falling from height etc – there are hundreds of ways you can be hurt on a construction site. PPE such as branded hard hats, high-visibility jackets, steel toe-capped boots, protective eyewear and ear defenders etc are the bare minimum for workers (and visitors) on site.

If these protective measures aren’t being taken, then there should be no admittance to the site.

All new site workers should be given an induction

Workers can come and go – they move onto different sites or get assigned elsewhere. So, it’s normal for new influxes of workmen to arrive on-site and start other jobs as progress continues. It’s worth remembering that no two construction sites are the same, so holding an induction for each new batch of workers is essential. The induction should explain what to do in the event of an emergency, where they sign in, areas they should avoid and how to stay safe.

The site must be kept tidy

A construction site that isn’t looked after, is a dangerous one. Construction work is, of course, messy by nature, and it can’t be compared to tidying up your desk at the end of the day. Slips, trips and falls are the most common form of accident on construction sites. Often these are caused by objects left lying around, liquids on the ground, or even cables and wires can become trip hazards. Ensure that all site workers are doing their bit to keep the site tidy and hazard-free.

Don’t allow work to be carried out in unsafe areas

Working under crane loads, in dangerously unsupported trenches, unsafe constructions, or even working at height with no rails or safety harnesses – no employee should be expected to work in these kinds of conditions. Work should not be carried out without the right safety checks and equipment in place.

And finally, report faults and dangers

If there’s a safety rail that’s not fitted correctly, it should be reported. A machine guard on a piece of equipment is faulty? It needs to be reported as soon as possible. Ensure that all workers are aware of the importance of reporting hazards and potential incidents before they take place!

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