How to ensure employee safety and comfort on a construction site
Building sites are naturally hazardous for employees and members of the public.
Moving vehicles, heavy machinery and staff working at heights all pose unique risks that can also be difficult to predict. From 2022 to 2023, there were 45 fatal injuries to workers in the construction industry. This figure is more than double that of the second-most dangerous industry and reflects the very real risks faced on-site.
Whether you’re a site manager or considering a career change this year, it’s always important to keep tabs on taking safety seriously in construction.
Why is safety more important in construction than other industries?
Due to the manual nature of the tasks associated with the industry – and the fact that most sites are outside – construction teams are exposed to more hazardous situations than those in other industries. Wearing the correct PPE can protect workers, but not prevent dangers.
From harsh weather conditions to malfunctioning equipment, construction site workers face various risk factors. It’s imperative that safety measures must be current, thoroughly implemented, and respected by everyone working on-site.
What are employers’ safety responsibilities on a building site?
Reducing risk is all about compliance. Employers must acknowledge and implement relevant health and safety guidelines, especially those outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act.
It’s widely acknowledged that the construction industry is one of the most dangerous for workers. The responsibilities of site managers and company owners are therefore stricter throughout the sector, with specific tasks and standards to uphold.
Furthermore, site managers must ensure the comfort and safety of all staff on-site while they’re both working and resting. A secure location must be provided in which workers can take a break, eat their food, and rest between physical tasks. For a more sustainable approach, options like site accommodation hire ensure that construction firms can reduce waste and meet all safety standards.
How to ensure complete safety on-site
- Use clear and appropriate signage
Signs could save lives on a building site. From machinery instructions to warning signs, all rules and procedures should be explained to staff before any work commences. Signs not only point out dangers to passing members of the public but promote safety for visiting contractors too.
- Keep workstations tidy
Working areas in construction sites are naturally prone to dirt, dust, debris, and discarded tools. You must ensure that any loose items are cleared away in a timely manner, before they could start posing a risk to your employees or visitors. Furthermore, organisation will foster enhanced productivity on-site.
- Choose correct and high-quality tools
Sometimes, independent contractors use their own tools throughout a job. If you’re responsible for a team, though, you need to ensure that the equipment they use is safe, fault-free, and approved to trade standards. All equipment and machinery should be inspected before and during the project.
- Ensure thorough training
To reduce the risk of human error, comprehensive training is essential. This will encourage your team to help from each other and learn some of the best ways to approach common tasks on-site. A culture of open communication is essential if you’re serious about helping your team stay safe, especially once a hazard has been identified.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
Lastly, one of the most effective ways to reduce accidents and promote safety on-site is to spot a potential risk before it materialises. Frequent risk assessments will have multiple benefits, helping you check that your equipment is in good working order and increasing the likelihood of timely project completion too.
