Top 5 Paths to Construction Crews Stay Safer On The Jobsite

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 alone, there were over 5333 construction-related fatalities in the United States. In 2020, the number decreased by over 10% to approximately 4764. This was a significant reduction, but the number of fatalities is still too high. Some of these fatalities are due to slips, trips, and falls, which are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.

There are many ways that construction crews can stay safer on the Jobsite, including the following:

Top 5 Paths to Construction Crews Stay Safer On The Jobsite

1.  Wearing appropriate safety gear

One of the simplest things that construction crews can do to stay safe is to wear the appropriate safety gear. This includes hard hats, safety vests, goggles, and work boots. These items can help to protect workers from injuries caused by falls, slips, and trips which may further result in fatalities.

Moreover, it is good to note that there are rules that control the use of the said safety gear. Hard hats, for example, should not be worn outside the construction site. In the same way, employees are not allowed to remove their safety gear while on the site, even if they are just going to the bathroom.

2.  Following safety protocols

Another way that construction crews can stay safe is by following the safety protocols in place. This means taking the time to learn and understand the safety procedures before starting work. It also means following these procedures during the workday.

For example, construction crews should always use the ladders and scaffolds provided by the company. They should also avoid working in the same area as other workers. And, when working with hazardous materials, they should always follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will help to minimize the risk of injuries and fatalities.

3.  Appropriate use of construction tools and equipment

In order to stay safe, construction crews should also use the tools and equipment properly. This means using the correct tool for the job and following the manufacturer's instructions. It also means using the tools and equipment in the correct manner.

In any construction site, there are heavy and dangerous equipment present. Some of these are cranes, excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks. It is important for construction crews to be aware of these pieces of equipment and to know how to use them safely.

This is not limited to heavy equipment. Even the hand tools can be dangerous if not used properly. For example, a construction crew should never use a hammer to hit a nail that is already in the wall. Instead, they should use a claw hammer to remove the nail.

4.  Clearly marking hazards

Construction crews can also stay safe by clearly marking the hazards in the work area. This includes both the physical hazards like not having Street lighting and the chemical hazards. It is important for everyone on the construction site to be aware of these hazards and to know how to avoid them.

In order for the hazards to be clearly marked, the construction crew needs to identify them. This can be done through a process called job hazard analysis. Once the hazards have been identified, they need to be marked with the appropriate signs and labels.

The use of a traffic cone is an excellent way to mark a hazard. These cones should be placed at least 10 feet away from the hazard. And, when working with hazardous materials, it is important to use the correct signage to warn people of the danger.

5.  Timely inspection of equipment

To stay safe, construction crews should also ensure that the equipment is being properly maintained. This means inspecting the equipment on a regular basis and ensuring that it is in good working order.

If the equipment is not being properly maintained, there is a greater risk of an accident occurring. This is why it is important for the construction crew to have a maintenance schedule and to follow it closely. For example, the crew should check the oil levels in the equipment and make sure that all the safety gear is in good condition.

Wrapping Up

Going to the construction site and later going home safe is always a good thing. There are many ways to make this happen, and the five ways mentioned above are just a few of them. It is important for construction crews to be aware of these ways and to follow them closely. This will help to keep everyone safe on the Jobsite.