Whether you’re a professional construction worker or just someone looking to complete a personal renovation, safety is of paramount concern on any project. You probably have a lot of the more overt safety measures in place when you’re working, but there could be a few things you’re missing that might improve the site for you or anyone working with you. Here are just a few of the simple ways you can make an everyday project safer than you think.
Create a Safety Plan
On many projects, you’re probably going to be working closely with several other people. When you’re in a group, it’s important that every member knows what to do in terms of safety protocol and how to react if something goes awry. Creating and being upfront about a plan for safety is an effective way to get things started. You should inspect each site and make some notes as to what hazards are present already. Protective equipment is a must before any job begins. Don’t forget to change your plans based on the type of construction environment you’re facing.
Install Proper Attachments
If you’re doing a construction project that needs heavy equipment, you can improve the overall safety of the site by making sure your machinery has the attachments necessary to get any job done efficiently. Some of the things that fit this bill nicely are 4-in-1 buckets. These versatile attachments to skid steers are capable of digging, grading, or dozing right through most materials you’re likely to find on a construction site. In some cases, your bucket could even grapple with or pulverize some materials that you might need to catch and tear away.
Use Technology
Physical equipment is a boon to any construction project. However, modern technology is another aspect of this field that can add important safety measures to any job. Robotic technology monitored by human workers could reduce or eliminate some of the most dangerous aspects of a particular site. In addition, you could employ software that increases effective communication within a construction team. Doing this could not only increase safety milestones, but it could also make a project more economical by reducing duplicate actions and conserving needed resources.
Guard Openings
Construction projects spend a lot of time in semi-finished states. During these phases, floors and walls may have large gaps or openings that present a danger to workers. If you have openings that are at least 12 inches in diameter, you should put up rails around them for safety. If an opening is more permanent, you can put toe boards around the rim.
There’s no reason to be paranoid during a construction project. However, it is true that hazards to safety can be lurking around any corner on the site. Even if you think you might be going overboard on the safety issue, it’ll pay off in the end when you’re able to minimize any risks to you or the workers around you. If you’re doing a professional job, a good safety rating can be crucial, but it’s an important part of any project.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
