Workplace accidents are a reality in the construction industry. Therefore, it is important to prioritize safety and eliminate potential hazards on the site.
In a construction project, there must be a designated person in charge who inspects the current state of the workplace, and if they assess a potential risk, they must notify the supervisors of the project.
Likewise, the maintenance and proper functioning of machinery, whether tools or personal protective equipment, is equally important for reducing workplace accidents.
What personal protective equipment is used on a construction site?
- Safety boots.
- Helmet.
- Gloves.
- Reflective vest.
- Goggles.
- Face mask.
- earmuffs
- Harness and lifeline.
Construction safety training
The lack of safety on a construction site stems primarily from inadequate staff training. While training is the responsibility of the individual worker, the company must ensure the safety of each member of its team.
For that reason, the following aspects must be taken into account:
➤ The company must provide the necessary safety training, including drills, training sessions, or refresher courses:
- In first aid.
- Delivery of safety information material.
- In monthly drills.
➤ Construction foremen must guarantee a safe environment, reporting any negligence in order to avoid misunderstandings that could jeopardize the integrity of each of them.
➤ Workers must be trained and have basic knowledge of construction safety, and adhere to criteria and regulations stipulated in manuals, regarding the handling of tools and clothing.
Precautions regarding potential hazards
If at any time an accident occurs within the facilities or work area, regardless of the job position, the company or the person in charge on duty must be notified immediately.
It is important to know the current conditions where you are working, and this also includes considering hazardous materials.
Risks in construction
- Workers falling from different heights.
- Falling tools that are above ground level.
- Vehicle collisions with unidentified barriers.
- Detachment of fragments at high speeds.
- Cracks in soils that represent risks.
- Exposure of cables with direct or indirect current.
- Footprints or minor accidents with fragments on the ground.
Hazardous materials
- Explosives
- Flammables.
- Toxic.
- Contagious.
These types of materials must be used with the utmost caution; therefore, their location must be clearly marked, the hazard they pose must be clearly labeled, and the container where they are stored must be clearly marked. All relevant information must be kept on file, be publicly available, and be easily accessible to everyone.
Furthermore, no worker may be subjected to risky situations on a construction site if he or she so decides.
Detecting irregularities in construction operations
The worker and supervisor must verify that the safety equipment is in optimal condition at the time of use, thus increasing the guarantee for the well-being of all involved.
In construction projects, accidents and potential risks must be minimized as much as possible!
For that reason, one must:
➤ Check that the harness and each of the ropes are positioned as indicated in the safety manuals.
➤ Life support equipment should be handled by trained and qualified emergency personnel, if needed.
➤ The area surrounding the construction site must have signage to eliminate any risk.
➤ If during the work a noise or abnormal behavior occurs, work must be stopped immediately and the emergency or repair must be addressed.
Knowing the safety regulations on a construction site
Understanding safety regulations for jobs involving risk to human life is one of the strictest aspects that any company, contractor, or worker must focus on.
Obviously, the rules vary depending on the complexity of the task. However, there are standard manuals that any worker who wants to work on construction sites should be familiar with.
➜ Clothing and its safety rules
Knowing the required elements and the conditions that personal safety equipment must maintain.
- The helmets must be made of the correct material and must not have any damage.
- The boots must have a non-slip sole and a metal toe cap.
- The lenses must be resistant.
- The gloves used must correspond to the work to be done; they can be made of leather, cotton, reinforced, etc.
- The vest must be worn by workers who work on road construction or who work night shifts.
➜ General Security
- Hand tools need to be attached to the safety belt of every construction worker.
- If ladders are used, they must be wider than 60 cm , and their positioning must be on flat and firm ground.
- Narrow staircases should only be used by one person at a time.
- The scaffolding must be able to support the weight of more than one worker and their tools. It must also be anchored and have guardrails; at the end of each day, it must be dismantled.
- If working at a height of more than 2 meters from the ground, some type of protection must be placed, whether it be platforms, gaps, walkways and uneven surfaces; in addition, the worker must be secured with a rope or safety harness.
- Once the shift is over, tools must be stored in secure areas to prevent injuries or accidents.
Before, during and after each shift, the professional must check each of these safety measures.
Signage at the construction site during the construction process
Construction sites must be confined to specific perimeters. This way, both civilians and workers know the maximum point at which they can work or walk.
Ensuring public safety is one of the most important regulations during an active construction project; however, not only civilians but also workers should have warning signs around the construction site.
➜ Signage for civilians
- should be used on longer-lasting works in the area.
- Mobile signage is for short-term construction work, and is usually seen in electrical repairs or debris removal.
- If the work is on a road and depending on what it is, the measures to be followed for pedestrians and drivers must be indicated.
- The use of safety elements such as barricades or safety nets around the construction site allows pedestrians to be alerted to potential risks.
➜ Signage for workers
- Signs indicating emergency exits must be placed on the walls of the building.
- In high-altitude work, the danger of free fall must be indicated.
- If there are hazardous materials near the area, this should be indicated, such as with no smoking signs.
- Source: https://blog.sgl.com.mx/
