The construction industry is an extremely complex business. There are many different positions that all play an important role in the business. There are also required and extensive training programs. Many construction projects require that workers scale many floors. While walls and ceilings are still being constructed, these are not always the safest of conditions. Safety needs to come first and the following safety precautions are necessary in the industry.
Safety as a priority
If you are in charge of construction workers, it is important to remember that safety is always the number one priority. Safety should be taken into account for any and every single project. If you do not have the proper training, proper safety materials, or ability to safely complete a project, then it should not be accepted. It is important to never put construction contractors at a risk that they cannot handle. OHSA uses a three step process to prevent dangerous falls and to save lives. The steps are to plan, provide, and train. If all of these steps are not carefully completed, the project should not begin.
Ensure proper safety certification
OHSA spends a lot of time and resources on increasing safety for construction workers. Many of these courses are certified and can pass on certifications to workers and crew leaders. The proper safety certifications include things like sling usage, proper material handling, and fall arrest training. Never let a worker on a job that is not certified in the highest safety courses, especially when that specific job includes increased danger. The crew leader particularly, should have advanced safety certifications, as they are often responsible for making hiring and construction job decisions.
Understand more risk jobs
Specialized knowledge can also decrease risk and injury numbers. If a worker will be exposed to electrical danger, for example, a worker experienced with electrical work is ideal. If the worker will be required to scale many stories to construct walls in a high rise, the employee should be someone with experience in building tall buildings. Prior knowledge ensures that they are aware of the safety regulations and proper safety equipment needs, such as chain slings and rigging for fall protection purposes.
Workers who are six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kind of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear. An employer that fails to do this can be legally liable. It can also be helpful to require additional safety training, prior to starting an especially dangerous job. In many cases, it can be helpful to refresh these safety regulations and practices.
Implement advanced safety procedures
There are minimum safety regulations that are often set by OSHA. For example, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry, and eight feet in longshoring operations. These regulations are set by OHSA at a minimum standard. However, you do have the ability to make them even safer. You can increase safety measures and requirements for lower heights. As long as you meet the minimum requirements, you are following the law. However, you are also increasing the safety of your workers. You can also require the usage of things like slings and fall protection nets in heights that are lower than recommended by OHSA.
Buildings are designed and constructed by humans. The tallest of buildings require that humans scale them and build and repair. Scaling large buildings or going deep underground does carry some amount of risk. Although these workers are often thoroughly trained in proper safety measurements, accidents can occur. You can reduce accident possibility by refreshing safety precautions, only using experienced contractors on especially dangerous jobs, and setting even higher of safety regulations on your job site. It is also important to use the best of safety equipment, especially when it comes to fall protection devices and safety slings.
