Prioritizing Safety | Construction Best Practices | Blog #13

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments due to the variety of tasks, tools, machinery, and materials involved. However, with the right precautions and a safety-first mindset, many of these risks can be minimized. Prioritizing safety on construction sites not only ensures the well-being of everyone involved but also leads to more efficient, successful projects. In this blog post, we'll explore essential tips and best practices for construction safety that can help reduce accidents, prevent injuries, and foster a culture of safety on the job site.

General Safety Tips

• Proper Training & Education: Workers must be trained on the specific hazards associated with their tasks, as well as how to use safety equipment correctly. OSHA requires employers to provide their employees with safety training, but ongoing education is just as important. Training should cover general information about the job site, how to complete work tasks, hazards of the work, and the company’s safety procedures at a minimum.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for protecting workers from injury. 

• Depending on the type of construction site and the job being performed, workers may need:

• Hard hats

• High-visibility clothing

• Steel-toed boots

• Safety gloves

• Hearing protection

• Respirators

• Eye and face protection

• Safety Inspections: Safety inspections should be conducted regularly to identify and eliminate potential hazards. These inspections should be thorough and include checks for:

• Faulty machinery or equipment

• Exposed wiring or electrical hazards

• Slips, trips, and falls hazards (e.g., loose scaffolding, uneven surfaces)

• Proper use of signage and barricades

• Adequate ventilation for confined spaces

• Hazardous Materials & Waste: Construction sites often involve the use of hazardous materials, such as chemicals and solvents. Handling these materials requires specialized training and equipment.

• Proper disposal methods should be followed for hazardous waste to avoid contamination and injury.

• Ventilation systems should be used to limit exposure to airborne hazards.

Fall & Winter Safety

• Slippery and wet conditions are common in the fall/winter time. All truck drivers should carry salt with them.

• Equipment should be clear of leaves.

• Fire extinguishers and first aid kids should be checked and in good working order.

• Beware of deer. November is statistically the highest month for insurance claims with deers.

• With the sun going down earlier, make sure headlights work. Light towers need to be used to prevent accidents.

• Dressing appropriately for the weather - cold weather protective gear (jackets, gloves, hats, etc.) is essential.

Emergency Response

• There are many different kinds of emergency situations that may occur in a workplace. Some common types of emergency situations are:

• Medical emergencies (heart attack, stroke)

• Caught in or between moving vehicles

• Fires

• Weather-related disasters

• Things to know:

• Before helping a victim of an incident or before assisting in an emergency, always ensure it is safe for you to do so. 

• Do not overreact. Rushing or making poor choices when dealing with an emergency can result in more victims or create a worse situation in general.

• Know where emergency response equipment is located onsite and how to use it. Also, be familiar with emergency shutoff switches on equipment or machinery.

• Know the signs and symptoms of common medical emergencies or medical emergencies that can occur in your workplace. Knowing what to look for can make the difference in whether someone gets the medical attention they need or not.

Construction is a high-risk industry, but with the right safety protocols and mindset, the risks can be greatly minimized. Prioritizing safety in construction isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about safeguarding the lives of workers, reducing downtime, and creating a more productive and efficient work environment. By promoting safety on the job site, we can build a better future—one where workers go home to their families each day without injury or harm.