Recent years have seen a renewed focus on safety in the construction industry, as projects are becoming bigger and more complex. From managing huge engineering jobs to overseeing small residential developments, it’s important for both employers and employees to understand the risks associated with the ever-evolving industry. The following article will outline how safe the construction industry is today and what can be done to ensure that everyone stays safe while on site.
Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can result in serious injury or death. Without proper safety equipment and procedures, workers are at a higher risk for major injuries or fatalities.
Common causes of accidents in the construction industry include:
- Falling from heights (e.g. scaffolding or ladders)
- Working with heavy machinery
- Slips, trips and falls
- Electrocution from tools and electrical sources
- Contact with hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos exposure)
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Not using proper safety gear or procedures
Regulations Aimed at Protecting Workers
Health and safety regulations are crucial when it comes to protecting workers in the construction industry. In addition to general regulations that cover all workplaces, there are specific rules set out by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) that must be followed.
Regulations include wearing certain types of protective gear, using specialist equipment, or providing specific training courses for workers.
Appropriate protective gear for construction workers may include:
- Hard hats
- Safety goggles
- Ear protection
- Gloves
- Respirator masks
- Steel-toe boots or other safety footwear
- High visibility clothing/vests
- Fall protection systems (e.g. harnesses)
Employers must also take all necessary measures to protect their employees from injury or illness while they are working on a building project and inspect work sites regularly for hazards such as toxic substances or faulty machinery.
Automation Technology
Automation technology has changed many industries over recent years, including construction sites where it is being used to increase efficiency along with worker safety levels. Automated systems such as computers or robots can not only perform tedious manual tasks but many are capable of monitoring sites looking for potential dangers too – reducing employee workloads while keeping them safer from harm’s way.
Examples include using automated drones to carry out surveillance missions to check for hazardous activity, or unmanned forklifts that move heavy loads around an area without a human driver present.
Accident Prevention
Accidents can happen in any workplace, as construction accident attorneys know only too well, but in the construction industry they can be particularly dangerous for both workers and those living or working nearby. To reduce the risk of accidents, there are several steps employers should take when planning and executing a building project:
- Regularly review policies and procedures with staff, making sure everyone understands their responsibilities
- Inspect work sites regularly for hazards, such as toxic substances or faulty machinery
- Train workers in proper tools use
- Provide safety equipment such as hard hats and heavy-duty gloves when necessary
- Create an emergency response plan outlining action taken if an incident occurs
- Ensure access to medical assistance if needed
- Carry out regular health checks among colleagues
Monitoring Site Activity
Preventative measures should be put in place before any work begins, to help reduce the likelihood of an accident happening. This includes keeping close tabs on sites so that potential hazards can be identified early on before they become serious problems. Employers need to employ experienced supervisors who can oversee activity taking place on the site and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. It is essential that anyone working on a construction project has thoroughly read through all relevant documentation beforehand, so they know exactly what’s expected of them.
It is important to take the necessary steps to provide a safe working environment and prevent accidents in the construction industry. When these steps are taken, it can help to reduce the chance of serious injuries or fatalities occurring on job sites.
