A job as labor-intensive as construction work naturally comes with a few different hazards and the potential for injuries to occur. Now, with COVID-19, the threat of germs and bacteria has become as common as falling. Here are a few different ways to keep workers safe in the construction industry that address a wide range of hazards.
Providing Personal Protection Equipment
Providing and enforcing personal protection equipment is one of the most crucial ways to keep workers safe in the construction industry. Hard hats keep workers protected from falling materials and swinging tools that could cause serious head trauma. Meanwhile, reflective vests ensure workers always remain visible to each other when operating machinery and vehicles. Of course, there’s much more equipment you can provide your workers. But these two are the most basic items necessary for preventing accidents.
Improving Sanitation Standards
Due to COVID-19 and sanitation in general, construction sites can quickly become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria if you don’t provide proper facilities. Opting for a restroom trailer instead of porta-potties allows you to include utilities like sinks and electricity for flushing. Between the two, it’s no contest which is better for the comfort and safety of your workers. However, after providing such facilities, it’s equally important to clean the trailer regularly so that it doesn’t become a problem itself.
Displaying Signage
Clearly labeling the area with signs is imperative to the safety of both the construction workers and the public. Construction sites can get loud, especially due to how many machines and moving parts are moving at once. Providing warning signs for potential hazards and direction will aid with worker communication and ensure misunderstandings stay limited. Warning signs and the like will also caution the public from getting too close. They’ll be able to be vigilant when passing by the construction site.
Scaffolding Safeguards
Falling is one of, if not the most, common sources of injury within the construction site. When your crew is constructing scaffolding or working in elevated places, handrails and protective barriers will serve as a safety net. It’s too easy for workers to accidentally step off the side of a ledge or slip while they’re working.
