Construction sites are death traps. More than 5,300 American workers died on the job in 2019, and more than 1,000 of these deaths occurred on construction sites.
One reason why is that very few companies take construction site safety seriously. They assume their employees will keep themselves safe, so they don’t need to do anything. You must take several steps to promote safety and reap the rewards of safe employees.
What construction safety hazards threaten the lives of your employees? How can one accident disrupt your company? What are some benefits of following construction safety requirements?
Answer these questions and you can make safety in construction a cinch. Here is your quick guide.
Construction Safety Hazards Are Everywhere
Health hazards in construction can surprise you. A bag on the ground may seem innocuous, but it can produce a devastating fall. An electrical cable can snap, hitting someone or electrocuting them.
Your workers can also become sick from the chemicals or radiation they use. Even if they are sitting at a desk, they can develop chronic strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Safety in construction requires constant vigilance. You need to walk through the grounds of your site and keep an eye out for any danger. You must train your employees on what to do to avoid and respond to injuries.
One Accident Can Derail Your Operations
An accident that injures many of your employees will lead to the end of the workday. It can also traumatize your employees, forcing them to take time off so they can recover.
OSHA will investigate your company after any significant accident, including a fall. If an inspector finds you have violated safety protocols, you may need to pay a fine. The injured employee can press a civil or criminal lawsuit against you, which can shut your company down.
Enforcing safety means creating smooth operations for your company. When an accident occurs, you should respond to it and give the employee all the time they need to recover. You should then take steps to prevent the accident from occurring again.
Construction Site Safety Increases Morale
No one wants to work at a construction site that is dangerous. When your employees are at ease, they can focus on their jobs and get more work done. They will stay with your company long-term, letting you build trust and friendships.
You don’t have to create safety protocols on your own. You should examine a few safety companies and click for more information about their services.
Be Part of the Solution for Construction Accidents
Construction site safety is under attack. Even a small site can have a number of hazards, especially slips and falls. You need to monitor the grounds and make fixes to promote safety.
Any accident can inspire an OSHA investigation or a civil suit. Employees may leave your company or work less hard because they don’t think you care about them.
Taking basic steps will increase productivity. You should train your employees so they stay safe, and you should provide for sick and injured employees.
Make the best construction site possible. Read more construction safety guides by following our coverage.