Every year, nearly 150,000 accidents occur on construction sites across the United States. In fact, OSHA states that 1 in 10 construction workers will be hurt on the job annually, and that 15% of all worker’s compensation costs are spent on employees injured at construction sites.
As a result, employers of construction workers should enforce strict safety standards for everyone on the job.
Let’s look at some of the best ways you can do just that.
1. Watch for Fall Hazards
With fall hazards being the number one hazard for construction workers each year, it is crucial you educate your employees about ladder safety.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Always use the right ladder for the right job
- Never place more than the recommended weight on a ladder at any one time
- Inspect the ladder before and after each use to ensure there are no missing parts or dents
- Don’t use a ladder alone, no matter how small the job
These same concepts apply to any construction workers using scaffolding on the job. To avoid falls you must make sure the scaffolding is sturdy, in good condition, and firmly planted on the ground before use.
2. Receive Safety Training
Whether your place of employment requires it or not, it is a good idea to invest in the OSHA 30 hour construction training course.
Helping you to learn about construction safety, the OSHA 30 is specifically designed for safety directors, foremen, and field supervisors, though the information taught is useful for anyone that works in construction.
Knowing how to stay safe on the job, and train others to do just the same, is critical to preventing injuries, lawsuits, and rising insurance costs.
3. Protective Gear
If your job duties require specific protective wear, such as a hardhat, safety goggles, or slip-free boots, make sure to wear them at all times.
Prevention is key when it comes to construction site safety. You never know when your protective gear might protect you from a head trauma (hardhat), a motorist driving by (reflective gear), or even a basic slip-and-fall (non-slip shoes).
4. Proper Air Ventilation
Physical injuries are not the only thing construction workers should be concerned with while on the job. In fact, air contamination can be just as harmful as a fall or other physical injury.
Make sure your employees have adequate air ventilation while working with any type of air contaminant. For example, chemicals, paints, gases, and even asbestos can have long-term health effects on someone exposed to them for long periods of time.
As an added protective measure, consider requiring the use of masks for anyone working with air contaminants.
5. Monitor Your Employees
Even if you provide all of the safety training and equipment needed to maintain a safe work environment, your workers are prone to accidents if there is no oversight.
Make sure to regularly monitor safety compliance and discipline those not following the rules.
Staying safe while on the job as a construction worker is not as challenging as you might think. With a few preventative measures, come common sense, and a little extra safety training, you can rest assured your employees will go home at the end of the night safe and sound.
