Safety on a construction site is paramount for workers, contractors, and the passing public. With the coming and going of heavy machinery, the use of sharp tools, and working from heights, it is imperative for every site manager to ensure that the environment is as safe as it possibly can be. Everyone on site has an obligation to look out for themselves and each other by observing all safety practices since working sites are ever-changing, dynamic environments.
Before construction begins, site managers should develop a safety plan to assess the potential risks and hazards of the work they are undertaking. All companies should have health and safety processes and procedures, but these should be re-evaluated and edited to correspond with a new site. Managers should also check if the staff are wearing safe workwear and are aware of the risks associated with the job. A safety plan is only worthwhile if it is regularly followed by both employer and employee alike.
How can I keep my site safe?
There are many ways to ensure a site is as safe as possible–from ensuring that the staff has everything they need to practice good protocols and that equipment and the site itself is up to scratch.
Keep Staff Safe
Provide PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be readily available on-site for every worker and visitor. It is up to the employer to ensure that all on-site staff has PPE. If not, it should be provided and monitored to ensure it is being used properly.
Appropriate training should also be accessible so workers know when and where personal protective equipment is required. Some construction workers may be happy to provide their own PPE, but an employer must ensure that it meets requirements.
Host an Induction
Every worker should have an onsite induction to ensure they know the site well enough to navigate their way around in general and in an emergency. Staff should be aware of where vehicles will be entering and exiting the site, as well as where forklifts might operate or where construction workers are working on scaffolding above them.
Install Scaffolding
Scaffolding makes the construction site safer. It offers a stable elevated platform, reducing the risk of falls from heights, a common construction site hazard. Guardrails, toe boards, and safety nets on scaffolding systems further protect against falls. Secondly, scaffolding provides secure access to different parts of the structure under construction, eliminating the need for unstable alternatives like ladders. This reduces the potential for accidents.
Thirdly, the visibility provided by scaffolding allows for efficient monitoring of activities, aiding in hazard identification and quick responses to issues. Moreover, the stability offered by scaffolding minimizes the physical strain on workers, reducing the risk of injuries from overexertion. It also supports better organization on-site by providing designated tools and materials storage spaces.
Additionally, scaffolding systems can facilitate emergency access and egress during critical situations. Compliance with safety regulations is another crucial aspect, ensuring that construction sites meet legal requirements. Finally, scaffolding can serve as a platform for training workers in safety procedures, fostering a safety culture in the construction industry.
Selecting the most suitable scaffolding type for the project, whether supported scaffolding, suspended scaffolding, or aerial lifts, is imperative. Once the equipment and materials are assembled, erect the scaffolding section by section, paying careful attention to stability, leveling, and securing the structure against potential movement or tipping. Install guardrails, mid rails, and toe boards securely to prevent falls and ensure access points are stable and safe.
Provide Registers
Not only should there be a register to keep a note of who is on-site at any time, but there should also be a health and safety register where risks and accidents can be logged that is accessible to all workers on site. In conjunction with risk management strategies, risks that have been identified, should be logged in a register, assessed, and noted how the risk was managed. The hazard should then be reviewed and monitored before being deemed safe again.
In the same instance, all accidents, even scrapes and cuts, need to be recorded to comply with stringent health and safety standards.
Keep it Clean
Your site should be cleaned and maintained at the end of every day. Materials and equipment should be put somewhere safe and secure so workers won’t trip or slip. Being orderly helps with safety and avoids any confusion on the site the following day.
Loose materials should be secured so they don’t blow around in adverse conditions, causing potential accidents. All machinery should be switched off before the site is left overnight.
Protect the Public
Contain Dust
If your site is in a public environment, it is a necessity that you take measures to control the spread of dust and debris from blowing onto public roads and spaces. This can be done by purchasing fence mesh banners that are printed to wrap around the site.
These mesh banners are perforated to allow airflow so fences do not fall over due to heavy advertising signs. They also prevent the spread of dust and debris from onsite construction.
Appropriate Signage and Lighting
The perimeter of your site should have appropriate signage indicating that work is ongoing and that the public should not enter. Signs should also be displayed if any chemicals are in use or if asbestos is being removed from the site. This is to warn the general public in the surrounding area.
Your site should be contained with proper fencing and lighting so the public does not wander onto the site by accident, especially at night.
Never to forget, If you store chemicals on-site such as petrol or paints then you need to have safety measures in place incase of a spill. Spill response solutions will help you to store chemicals safely and deal with spills.
Using Machinery Safely
Machine Safety Guides
All heavy machinery should come with instruction guides and manuals to help ensure user safety. On-site supervisors must also ensure that personal using machinery have all relevant qualifications before operating the equipment.
Maintenance
Machine maintenance should be conducted regularly and in line with health and safety standards. Test emergency stops should be checked alongside any safety guards to ensure the equipment is operating safely and fit for use. Machinery should be cleaned regularly to prevent dust build-up that could result in a spark or fire. All PPE needed to operate the machine, like earphones, safety goggles, or gloves, should be bought.
In all, the anatomy of a safe construction site can take time to rationalize and can vary depending on the type of construction that is underway, as well as the location of the site. In such a dynamic environment, it is important to take all necessary precautions to certify that workers, contractors, and the general public feel safe. Site managers should always check that their site complies with health and safety guidelines, not only nationally but on a local scale. The advice can vary from council to council, so check with the local authorities to guarantee that all protocols are being fully addressed.
Encourage your on-site workers to address safety issues immediately and to raise any queries or thoughts on how the environment could be made safer. This is a much better approach than addressing an issue after something has gone wrong and someone is hurt. Remember, as the site owner, you can be made liable if your site is inspected and there are apparent unnecessary risks. If you are unsure, you can always engage the services of environmental consultants.
