How to Improve Safety on a Construction Site

Our safety expert Alex Baker talks us through how important safety is on a construction site.

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in terms of occupational injuries and fatalities. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 60,000 fatal accidents occur on construction sites each year globally. In addition, millions of workers suffer non-fatal injuries or illnesses, often resulting in lost workdays, reduced productivity, and increased costs for employers.

The leading causes of worker deaths in the construction industry were falls, struck-by-object incidents, electrocution, and caught-in/between incidents. In addition to fatal incidents, there were also approximately 205,000 non-fatal injuries and illnesses in the construction industry reported in 2019.

These statistics highlight the need for continuous improvement in safety practices and procedures on construction sites. Employers and workers must be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. This includes implementing safety plans, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, conducting regular safety inspections, and ensuring that workers are properly trained and aware of potential hazards on the job site.

 Here are some tips on how to improve safety on construction sites.

• Develop a comprehensive safety plan.

Before starting any construction work, it is essential to develop a comprehensive safety plan that outlines all the potential hazards and how they can be mitigated. This plan should be communicated to all workers on the site, and everyone should be trained on how to follow it.

• Conduct regular safety inspections.

Regular safety inspections should be conducted to identify potential hazards and eliminate them before an accident occurs. These inspections should cover all areas of the site, including equipment, machinery, and work areas.

• Provide personal protective equipment.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be provided to all workers on the site. This equipment includes hard hats, safety goggles, earplugs, gloves, and safety shoes. PPE should be worn at all times while on the site.

• Train workers on the proper use of equipment.

Workers should be trained on the proper use of equipment, including how to operate it safely and how to maintain it. This training should be provided by qualified trainers, and workers should be retrained periodically to ensure they are up to date on the latest safety procedures.

• Maintain a clean and organized site.

A clean and organized site is essential for maintaining safety on a construction site. Debris and other materials should be cleared regularly to prevent tripping hazards, and tools should be properly stored when not in use. The site should be well lit and marked with signs to indicate potential hazards.

• Promote a safety culture.

Creating a safety culture is crucial for improving safety on construction sites. Workers should be encouraged to report safety concerns and incidents, and the information should be used to improve safety procedures. Regular safety meetings should be held to discuss safety issues and develop solutions to potential hazards.

• Respond promptly to safety incidents.

If a safety incident occurs, it should be responded to promptly. The incident should be investigated to determine the cause, and measures should be taken to prevent it from happening again. Workers should be provided with support and resources to prevent injuries and illnesses.

Improving safety on construction sites is an ongoing process that requires the cooperation of all workers and management. By implementing these measures, construction sites can become safer places to work, and workers can be assured that their well-being is a top priority.

To read more about how Lockout Tagout is an essential tool for safety, click here

A bit about Alex Baker. Alex is the National Business Development Manager at Spectrum Industrial working within the Oil & Gas, Energy, Wind Farming, Manufacturing, Petrochemical and Quarrying sectors as a specialist in Lockout Tagout, Working at Heights, Critical Safety and Safety Sign Communications.