Job site accidents are unfortunately quite common, and because of the nature of the job, these accidents can actually be quite serious for those involved. As the foreman or the boss on site, it is your responsibility to keep the rest of the people on the sire safe. You are never going to be able to remove all of the hazards from a job site, but you can implement policies to lessen the risks to those on-site. So, let’s get into it.
Preventing Falls
Fall prevention should be high on your list of priorities on a building site. This is because falls can lead to serious injuries. Train your staff on the proper form to use, including the three points of contact rule, which means that three out of four limbs should be making contact with whatever they are climbing or standing on. You should also always use personal safety devices like harnesses. Finally, make sure that you have a selection of equipment so that your staff can always be using the best thing for the job.
Train Staff Well
The likelihood of accidents happening decreases significantly with the proper training. Competency is vital in keeping yourself and your workers safe. You need to ensure that you are offering your workers the chance to continue their education with regular updates on training where necessary. Monitoring your staff and performing spot checks can provide an insight into any gaps of knowledge or understanding that need addressing. You should also encourage your staff to refer back to the construction phase plan to get a better idea of the processes in place to protect them. For those with limited experience, you can learn more about a construction phase plan from HS Direct.
Use the Right Equipment
Obviously, training is important, but in addition to that something that can have a transformative effect on the safety of the builders on site. A lot of accidents can happen as a result of faulty, incorrect or outdated equipment. A lot of modern equipment is designed with safety in mind. Remember to perform safety checks to ensure that all equipment is in correct working order—schedule maintenance.
In addition to the equipment used, you also need to think about the equipment worn by those on-site too. They can help to keep everyone safe, and should accidents occur; the severity is often lessened. For example, hard hats help to protect your head against any falling debris. Hi-vis ensures that other people on-site can see you. Finally, depending on your role within the site, steel toe caps, gloves, and safety glasses might also make sense too.
The Bottom Line
Building sites can be incredibly dangerous; there are no two ways about it. So take on board the above advice and be sure to implement these ideas into your management style. In addition to the above tips, you should also be sure to prioritise communication among your staff. Talk to them about any new policies you intend to create, and be sure to press upon them the importance of taking in their surroundings.