Construction sites can be dangerous places to work. These sites are full of hazards, including heavy machinery, power tools, and the risk of a construction site fall. However, there are a variety of strategies that head contractors can utilize in order to help keep their construction sites safe.
Hold Safety Meetings Frequently
To ensure that safety policies and procedures are being followed, it is important to hold regular safety meetings with your staff. These meetings will give you the chance to make sure that everyone on your team is on the same page regarding safety. Allow your staff to voice their concerns, and work to create a construction site safety plan that will address these potential hazards.
Wear Highly Visible Apparel
One important factor in minimizing or preventing construction site accidents is to make sure all workers are visible. This may require that workers wear brightly colored vests and hard hats so that they can be easily spotted. Bright, reflective clothing is especially important for construction workers who frequently work at night or in the early morning when lighting is poor.
Review Construction Accidents in the News
Construction accidents are often featured on the news, and these stories can be a wealth of information for your job site. By learning about mistakes made at other sites, you can apply these scenarios to your location, and better determine if your team is at risk. Use these news stories as an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others and to beef up your safety plan.
Stay Hydrated
This may seem obvious, but a consistent reminder is necessary. Construction workers are often required to spend long hours out in the hot sun and other unpleasant weather conditions. Therefore, staying properly hydrated is vital. This means making sure that your workers have an adequate water supply, and breaks so that they don't forget themselves while working. Dehydration can cause disorientation, muscle weakness, and dizziness, all of which can contribute to a construction site accident.
Become An Expert On Site Machinery
If you and your staff will be required to operate power tools and other machinery, it is important that you, as a leader, fully understand how to use all machinery. Even if you are not in a roll that requires the knowledge of a certain machine, read the tool's safety manual and schedule learning sessions with your staff so that they can be properly instructed.
Keep a Clean Work Site
A work site that is clean and free from fall hazards and other debris will lessen the likelihood of injuries to workers. Ensure that all employees are storing their materials and tools before clocking out for the day, and keep walkways clear. You should also make sure that your site has an adequate number of receptacles to collect trash, material waste, and other refuse.
Personal and organizational responsibility should always be exercised to prevent accidents. By taking a proactive approach to construction site safety, you can help keep your workers healthy and safe. However, there are some accidents that happen no matter how well you prepare. In the case of a serious accident, construction workers should contact a New York construction accident lawyer. This lawyer will help them get the worker's compensation they need in the aftermath of an accident.