Whether you are the owner of a construction company, a manager of a team working within the construction industry, or a dedicated worker, there is a hard and fast set of guidelines pertaining to health and safety that you must adhere to.
Such health and safety rules and guidelines are not only there to protect the company, but more importantly are in place to protect the individual and so, with that in mind, continue reading for a comprehensive guide to health and safety in the construction industry.
The 5 Main Categories Of Construction Industry-Related Accidents & Injuries
Construction work is one of the careers that always involves a certain level of tangible risk, and this is why health and safety is of absolute importance. Health and safety is vital in every industry sector, but it is extra important in the construction industry.
The five main accidents and injuries that construction workers experience most predominantly in the US are:
- Becoming trapped when something overturns or collapses, which is responsible for around 15% of construction worker fatalities.
- Injuries as a result of lifting or carrying heavy objects.
- Being hit by a flying, moving or falling heavy object.
- Falls, slips, and trips, which are responsible for around 13% of all non-fatal injuries to construction workers.
- Falling from a great height, which is responsible for around 50% of all construction worker fatalities.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
In any industry that uses power tools, it is of supreme importance to wear personal protective equipment when using such equipment.
However, for people who work in the construction industry, it is not only important but absolutely crucial. For example, for workers who use plastic welding equipment and machinery, proper and good quality welding helmets and masks should always be worn.
Other examples of PPE that are necessary for every construction worker and are considered to be wholly mandatory on a construction site include; hi-visibility outerwear, head protection, body protection, and foot protection. These items of clothing protect workers from heavy tools and falling objects and are crucial in preventing injuries.
Always Report Near Misses & Any Defects You Notice
It is the proper protocol on a construction site to always have an induction or briefing before the work begins, and this is for the health and safety of everyone on location.
During this briefing, report anything you feel seems to be amiss to your site supervisor.
Never Work In Areas Which You Deem To Be Unsafe
This sounds perhaps obvious upon the first read. However, there have been numerous accidents reported within the construction industry where a site manager or direct boss has asked a worker to carry out a job in a place that has not been properly assessed and was deemed hazardous.
If you are reluctant to carry out a job because you feel your safety is at risk, tell your site manager instead of risking harm to yourself or others.
It is always absolutely crucial to remember that the proper and full adherence to health and safety rules and regulations are the responsibility of everyone, not just the managers.
