Tips for Enhancing Construction Site Safety

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that working in construction is a risky job. The chance for injury is significantly higher than many other professions due to the nature of working with power tools and heavy machinery. However, establishing better safety protocols is a huge step toward the safety of your employees. Here are a few safety tips to get you started. 

• Personal Protective Equipment: All employees should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job tasks they are completing. This can include: steel-toed boots, hard hats, reflective vests, safety glasses, ear plugs and other protective items. Be sure to monitor and enforce the use of PPE necessary for each task. 
• Ladder and stairway safety: Ladders are only safe when used properly. Always use a ladder on a sturdy, level surface and ensure that it’s locked before climbing the rungs. Also, take care to avoid surpassing the maximum intended load. Ladders should be inspected prior to use. When constructing stairs make sure to follow all applicable OSHA standards.  
• Scaffolding safety: Like ladders, scaffolding should be erected on sturdy, level surfaces. Always use safety equipment like guardrails, midrails and toeboards. To prevent falling injuries, employees should wear harnesses and make use of safety nets as necessary. 
• Chemical safety: If your contracting business works with hazardous chemicals, ensure that employees are properly trained on how to handle the materials and what to do in case of emergency. Keep Safety Data Sheets (SDS) handy so employees can refer to them. It’s also necessary to provide extra safety gear and equipment necessary for cleaning up spills.