Working in construction is dangerous by nature. For site workers, illnesses and injuries related to construction are extremely common. Since it is true that ‘life cannot be bought by wealth,’ it is imperative that they abide by the safety guidelines for building.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that every year, diseases or accidents related to employment claim the lives of almost 2.3 million men and women globally.
This translates to more than 6000 fatalities every day. Each year, there are about 160 million cases of work-related illnesses and 340 million occupational accidents worldwide.
What makes construction safety imperative?
Since all human life is precious, saving lives is the primary goal, along with preventing harm and injuries at the scene.
Employees put their health and lives in danger. Several things could endanger their lives: working at heights, electrocution, malfunctioning machinery, coming into contact with toxic or hazardous chemicals, and accidents.
Thus, controlling health and safety incidents is essential to the construction sector. Even companies like Costas Constructions employ highly skilled safety officers to oversee all safety precautions on the job site, regardless of adherence to safety regulations. These officers are trained in safety education and training.
When there are natural disasters, they provide advance notice and stop working.
What steps can we take to reduce the number of deaths?
Here is some fundamental yet essential safety advice for construction workers. By implementing these suggestions, injury rates may be lowered, and construction sites may become happier, safer, and more secure workplaces.
1. Individual Defense Gear
Accidents at construction sites happen frequently, and the workers suffer the most.
These risks could include eye, limb, and other body part injuries; they could also include worker fatalities and mechanical and electrical failures. Thus, all employees must wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Workers must wear gloves, knee pads, earmuffs, hard hats, respirators, vests, and safety glasses (goggles) to reduce injury from such incidents.
The safety equipment must be kept clean and appropriately fitted for the personnel. It is also necessary for the workers to know where and when to use the safety equipment. Appropriate safety gear may seem commonplace, but it is essential.
Numerous injuries caused by electrical, mechanical, chemical, physical, and radiological mishaps can be avoided entirely with basic preventive measures.
2. Maintain a Clean Work Area
A well-kept facility is safe and helps reduce the number of injuries. A well-kept building site lowers the chance of mishaps and improves fire safety.
Construction sites are notorious for producing debris and various dangerous materials. Additionally, you can witness a decrease in near misses and slip-and-trip incidents on your project by putting the following guidelines into practice:
- Set aside a space for trash and waste.
- Safely stack and store goods.
- Preserve a secure workspace.
- Make sure all access points are clear.
- When you’re through, store your tools.
- Keep cords out of the way.
- Steer clear of fire hazards.
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4. Safety of Ladders
Ladders are excellent pieces of machinery. It is among the instruments most required to be utilized on building sites. However, if not used properly, it could endanger someone’s safety. Thus, it’s critical to ensure ladders are used properly in workplaces.
When using a ladder, the following safety measures can be implemented:
- Select the appropriate ladder.
- Before every use, look for any problems or damages.
- Verify your physical abilities to use a ladder.
- Place the ladder upright on a level, sturdy platform.
- Remain upright and never stretch out from the ladder.
- There should always be three points of contact. (For example, two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot).
- Take only little things up and down ladders.
- Utilize the 1:4 rule.
- Use caution when descending or ascending.
5. Releasing Guards
Lifting is strenuous, and most construction work involves lifting heavy equipment. Even with extreme caution on the part of the personnel, things can constantly be improved.
Lifting risks can be lethal or disabling. Thus, it’s critical to monitor every action.
You can adhere to the following points:
- Utilizing appropriate lifting techniques.
- Recognizing one’s limitations and seeking assistance.
- Utilizing technological advancements in construction.
6. System of Risk Management
It is the systematic procedure for assessing, determining, and handling project risks. Achieving project goals entails enhancing the likelihood and impact of favorable events while decreasing the likelihood and impact of unfavorable ones.
Some strategies to prevent industrial accidents include erecting guard rails, regularly assessing the stability of each scaffold, offering eye protection, protective gear, and other safety equipment, and hanging safety nets.
The following institutions can also help to lower the potential risks:
- Accurate examination of prior mishaps.
- Owning a response system for emergencies.
- Every mount should have a personal fall arrest system.
Tragedies are nevertheless possible, even if everything goes as planned. For example, natural disasters like hurricanes, landslides, and earthquakes might threaten worker safety. Building businesses ought to be equipped to handle these regrettable situations. To reduce loss, each construction company needs to have a risk management system in place.
In the end!
To put it briefly, do the present statistics and historical data on construction fatality rates match? We’ll discover that the number is lower. Strict government regulations and awareness within the construction industry, combined with technological advancements, are necessary to control the numbers. To make these practices a priority, nearly every construction company is maximizing its output and adhering to safety regulations.
