A construction site is far more dangerous than most UK workplaces. There have heavy machines, hazardous substances, sharp materials and, in some cases, severe weather conditions. If you run a construction site, you need to protect your workers from these hazards with proper training and PPE.
Poor health and safety regulations can lead to injuries and even fatalities. You may also notice a drop in employee morale and wellbeing. Here are a few ways to protect your workers on a construction site.
PPE
You need to provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE.) There are multiple types of risks on construction sites, from mechanical to electrical risks. The Health and Safety Executive found that almost half of all construction accidents are falls from a height. You can manage these kinds of mechanical risks through harnesses, scaffolding and proper footwear.
Your team should have access to protective eyewear, headwear, gloves, footwear and much more. Conduct a risk assessment around your worksite and carefully display warning signs around any hazards. Visitors should also be provided with PPE and a brief overview of the risks on site.
Concrete Scanning
When dealing with concrete, a great way to ensure that your workers are protected and safe is through concrete scanning. It is the process that includes ground penetrating radars and equipment to detect concrete slab quality. This also helps determine the correct concrete repair approach on certain slabs and prevent creating further damage in the property (i.e. locating water mains).
Properly train workers
The construction industry makes up around 7% of the UK’s workforce. These workers need to be thoroughly trained on how to use machinery in different environments. All of your team should undergo health and safety training to learn more about the risks on site and how to avoid them. People are far more likely to follow health and safety regulations when they understand the reasons behind them.
Keep tools in good condition
Power tools are dangerous and come with a lot of sharp moving parts. You need to make sure your tools are stored correctly and used safely. You could invest in a Milwaukee packout to store your tools on the go. Every team member should be trained on how to use a power tool effectively and the proper safety precautions to follow. They need to know what PPE is required for different tasks and power tools. For example, it is important to wear a mask and protective eyewear when using a sanding tool. The debris from the tool can get into your eyes and cause an injury.
At the end of the day, workers should clean their power tools with a cloth and store them in a dry location. Wires should be wrapped neatly, and tools should be locked securely away. If they spot any maintenance issues with the tool, they should be reported immediately. Ignoring an issue with a tool can lead to an injury later down the line.
Construction workers need to be alert on-site and prepared for the different risks around them. Health and safety are of the utmost importance in the construction and manufacturing industries.
