Preventing construction site accidents 100% is a challenge because accidents happen unintentionally. Since negligence is the main reason such unfortunate events occur, they can be prevented. Whether you are new in the construction industry or not, there are measures you need to employ to protect your workers, passers-by, and your investment.
A trusted construction accident law firm shares some practical ways to prevent construction site accidents:
Hold Daily Safety Meetings
Assuming that the daily meetings would be monotonous would be a bad decision. Such meetings are necessary because they give workers, managers, and other parties a chance to express or discuss new safety concerns. For instance, something that was not a safety threat the previous day could be a threat the following day. Daily meetings also help all parties revisit safety rules and practices that need to be followed. They also give managers the opportunity to present new regulations. When all parties are on the same page, the chances of accidents reduce.
Invest in Proper Safety Gear
Your workers could be experts in the construction industry. If they overlook safety gear during their daily jobs, the chances of accidents increase. Some of these equipment pieces include gloves, boots, safety harnesses, goggles, slip-resistant boots, and hardhats. Understand that safety gear would only be effective if used for the right job. This means you must equip your staff for the specific jobs they would be doing. Ensure that all workers gear up for all tasks, regardless of how small they are.
Maintain Your Machinery
Machines make the work easier. When they are in poor working condition, they become a safety hazard. It is important not to wait until the machines become faulty to attend to them. It pays to hire a maintenance crew that would keep all machines operating at optimal efficiency. If you would be relying on rental equipment, work with a provider that offers regular maintenance. If possible, replace outdated machines or those that break down regularly. It is important to ensure that your staff uses the right tools for the right jobs.
Regular Breaks
Regular breaks promote productive and safer job sites. Pushing your workers to do a lot within a short time would only work to your disadvantage. Regular breaks for resting, drinking some water, and eating snacks keep your workers motivated, energized, and more alert. The more motivated and alert they are, the less likely they are to make careless and costly mistakes. Low morale can also make your staff take shortcuts, which increases the risks of accidents.
Keep the Site Clean
A clean work site reduces the chances of injuries. When the place is clean, you will not have to worry about the trip, fall, and slip accidents. If your employees would be working at height, a clean site helps protect anyone below them from falling objects. It is important that all walkways be cleared of debris. Encourage employees to store all materials and tools safely after completing their shifts.
Owing to the nature of the work at construction sites, accidents are highly likely to happen. In case of an accident at your site, you should consult a construction accident lawyer, especially if employees sustained serious injuries.