|
Construction Work is responsible for three work-related fatalities a day, per year on average. Overall, one out of five deaths were in construction.
Some important considerations for having a safe construction site are as follows:
- A Safe Work Assessment should be in writing, outlining the scope of work and hazards present. The competent person should be identified as well as the entire chain of command. In addition, 24-hour emergency numbers, the location of the nearest medical treatment centers and police, rescue, and fire departments should all be included.
- A robust Safety Training Program must exist and be followed. Proper training in hazard recognition and emergency action plans must be practiced. Bi-Lingual training must be provided as well.
- Electrical hazards are the 4th leading cause of fatalities on a construction site. Workers should be on the lookout for overhead powerlines, improperly used, and damaged extension cords; ground fault circuit interrupter outlets should be used on all outdoor electrical outlets. Be on guard when using portable electric equipment in damp environments.
- Strict security and safety measures should be in place regarding unauthorized visitors. Pedestrian traffic must be managed and limited. All-access should be limited to only those who need to be on the site. If visitors are allowed, ensure that they are familiarized with safety protocols and hazards.
- Pay particular attention to hazardous material, chemical, and flammable storage requirements, and practices. Proper storage guidelines should be followed.
- Signage, both instructional and for warnings, should be posted in visible locations throughout the site. Bilingual signage should be a consideration. Signs should point to evacuation routes, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. Signage should also contain information on emergency contacts and required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the area.
- Plan for the weather! Keep abreast of changing weather conditions and have a severe weather plan.
- Perform a job hazard analysis. Determine the proper PPE for the job site, provide it to the workers and enforce the PPE requirement.
Providing proper training and PPE on a construction site are just a few of the ways to keep your employees safe. For more information on construction site safety do not forget to visit AlaCOMP’s free Online Safety Library. If you need additional help or have questions please feel free to contact one of our loss control representatives:
|
