One of the biggest challenges construction project managers face is making sure that the sites remain safe at all times. Construction sites can be dangerous, so putting procedures in place can help you and your team members stay safe.
Follow these five simple procedures to keep all construction projects safe for yourself and others.
Wear PPE Gear at all Times
Make sure that anyone who enters the construction site has the PPE gear they need. This gear defends anyone who comes into contact with hazards while on a construction site. High visibility clothing helps ensure that you are seen, safety boots give you grip and protect your feet, and hard hats protect your brain.
Training
Each site has its own distinct situations and operations. Make sure that any employee working on a construction site has the proper induction and training. It is important because it tells employees and visitors where to sign in and how to wear proper equipment. In addition, it gives you a record of a person’s being on the project site, tells them where they should go, and helps them understand what areas they need to avoid.
Keep Construction Sites Clean
Construction work can cause a lot of debris. If left on the site’s floor, you risk having people slip or trip over this debris. Falls on construction sites account for 30% of all major injuries, so keeping the area clean and clear becomes critical to have a safe environment.
Follow Procedures
Make sure that everyone follows safety signs and procedures when working in this area. The company should assign a risk management guide, and everyone on the site should read and follow it.
Avoid Unsafe Areas
Secure all construction areas before allowing anyone to work in these places. Even a geotechnical engineer needs to know that a construction site is stable before walking, inspecting, or working in a certain area. These professionals perform evaluations during various stages of a project. They also handle quality assurance during construction projects. Relying on professional help is the key to keeping a construction zone safe. Statistics from the HSE say that 14% of fatalities on construction sites occur because of collapses or overturns. Don’t work without suitable equipment, guardrails, or other safety features.
Report Problems Quickly
If you notice that a feature or an area is unsafe, or if there has been a near-miss, don’t ignore the problem. Instead, report it to management or the directives of the construction site. Whatever the procedure is for this type of report, do it.
Ask if You Are Unsure
Keeping a construction site safe is a top priority. If you are ever unsure as to what to do or how something is safe, stop and ask. It only takes a few minutes to ask a director or a supervisor about safety issues. Keep in mind that these five minutes might protect your and your colleagues and keep them safe while on a construction site.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan
