According to the International Labor Organization, the construction industry has a disproportionately high rate of workplace accidents. Safe to say, it is one of the most dangerous work settings. Construction activities expose workers to common hazards, such as asbestos, dust, electricity, and noise, among others. In the rest of this post, we’ll discuss the best practices to prevent hazards in a construction site.
- Use Dust Suppression Equipment
One of the most important is to use technologies for effective dust suppression in the construction site. A good example of this is a misting cannon that generates millions of tiny droplets of water. It saturates the ground to prevent airborne dust from being a health threat in the workplace.
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- Use Personal Protective Equipment
The use of construction site PPE is crucial in preventing hazards in the workplace. Whether it is trips or falls, among others, equipping the workers with the right gear is critical for their health and safety. For the eyes and the face, safety goggles and face shields are important. Slip-resistant and safety-toed boots protect the feet from falling objects. For hand protection, snug-fitting gloves with electrical resistance are necessary. Construction workers should also use helmets for head protection. To add, ear muffs are must-haves in high-noise areas to protect hearing.
- Embrace Technology
Embracing technology is often costly but worth it. Digitization in the construction industry helps in creating a safer work environment. For instance, some companies are already using drones to man huge construction projects. It performs aerial inspections and makes it easy to spot an accident. Companies also implement sensor-based technologies as part of their safety management. Construction workers are also using wearables to ensure their safety.
- Provide Training
The management needs to invest in training its employees as a means of hazard prevention. Whether it is the proper use of construction equipment or the basics of using PPE, employees need training to enhance their knowledge on the safety practices in their jobs. Hands-on training helps to promote safe construction practices. OSHA has training resources that construction companies can use as a guideline to minimize hazards on the site.
- Assign a Point Person
Construction companies should have a safety manager or an accountable point person. This person must be able to walk the talk and serve as a good example to the construction workers. The safety manager is also responsible for developing strict regulations to make sure workers adhere to the requirements, such as wearing the right attire to work. Plus, the person should conduct regular safety inspections and work closely with key persons to minimize hazards in the workplace.
Hazards in the construction site can pose significant threats to workers. The management needs to develop a proactive approach and take note of our suggestions above to establish a safety culture where people can work with peace of mind.