The Construction Site Safety Conundrum

According to a recent study conducted in the United States, working on a construction site of any nature is the job which carries the highest risk of fatal injury. At first glance this seems understandable, especially when the potential hazards are added up and duly considered.

There exists the danger of falling from great heights, the collapsing of trenches, the malfunction and collapsing of scaffolding, the risk of electric shock, the failure of equipment which results in injury and even repetitive motion injuries. The conundrum however becomes apparent when one considers the simplicity of the prevention of these risks as taught in health and safety training; such as in the wide variety of safety courses offered by Strat Training. Health and safety training is vital in order for any site to function at optimum capacity whilst simultaneously protecting its labourers.

In order to increase the safety of any construction site a supervisor, preferably with health and safety training, needs to be appointed to identify, assess and report any workplace hazards. Individual risks and dangers to employee-safety can then be dealt with individually. In order to promote safety on-site the following tips for construction site safety, as well as adequate safety training, should be made available to all employees.

Basic tips for construction site safety:

1. Always wear the recommended personal protective apparel as dictated by the nature of the work being carried out. This may include gloves, reflective vests, hard hats, safety goggles and ear plugs.
2. Use the necessary safety equipment for working at heights; such as harnesses for roof work or work on scaffolding.
3. Inspect all equipment before use; do not use malfunctioning equipment but rather report failure to a site-safety supervisor.
4. Be prepared for emergencies; health and safety training is vital in preparing employees as well as supervisory personnel, for dealing with crises resulting from mechanical or technical failure or malfunction which may lead to injury.
5. Employees are not the only ones who should be kept safe; always sufficiently cordon off working areas from the public during working hours. Also ensure all entrances to the construction site are secured when leaving the site at night.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid unnecessary danger and risk on a construction site is by providing the proper health and safety training to all on-site employees; in this way equipping the workforce to take responsibility for their own safety.