Maintaining worker safety and keeping the business thriving are two of the main goals of any construction company. Of course, there are several procedures that can be followed to help unsafe work environments, but it’s important to be prepared with the proper insurance from Allied Insurance Brokers, a liability insurance broker. Following a few of these efficient safety practices will help keep a work site safe and assist in preventing the occurrence of accidents and injuries.
Worker Training
If workers aren’t aware of what is required to establish construction site safety on that particular site, or on any worksite, it can’t be expected of them to work safely. Risk management tools, like proper and thorough training, are crucial in order to keep workers as safe as possible. Investing the time now to thoroughly train workers will save a headache later since untrained employees will surely lead to accidents.
It is the employer’s responsibility to adequately train employees and make sure that they have access to the proper resources to ensure worksite safety. Free and low-cost construction site safety training programs are also often available through equipment suppliers and vendors, making incomplete worker training inexcusable.
Worksite Communication
Ensuring that every person present on the worksite is aware of both who is in charge and the specific rules for that site is crucial to keeping workers safe from the very beginning of a project. This kind of credibility sets high expectations, keeps everyone on the same page, and can greatly decrease the chance of accidents. A procedure should also be in place to alert site workers of any changes to safety procedures and potential new hazards. This can be done through signs and safety sheets that every worker has access while working onsite.
Awareness When Backing Up
Backup injuries may be one of the most common types of injury that occur on a construction site. Despite the presence of backup alarms on most equipment, the loud environment of a typical construction site make alarms only slightly effective at preventing injuries. Backup accidents can result in serious equipment damage and worker injuries, making construction risk insurance vital.
As always, workers should be climbing out of the vehicle and looking behind it before fully backing up or, if visibility is low, having someone guide them. All types of obstructions, ranging from holes to other pieces of equipment, should be fully accounted for before backing up a vehicle.
Be Prepared
Exhaustive planning and keeping the worksite organized will help keep workers safe. Long before construction begins, the appropriate specialty risk services insurances should be researched and selected. Of course, the goal is to not experience any type of worksite accident or injury, however, it Is best to be prepared in case such an event were to happen.
A clear, detailed outline of the construction plan, where tools and material should be stored, key safety rules to follow, and other important information should be organized in one location for all workers to easily access.
Equipment Safety
Accessing equipment, whether heavy machinery or a handheld device, should be done with the utmost care to ensure construction site safety. Materials like boots and gloves should be examined for sturdiness before operating any type of large machinery. A heightened awareness must be used when climbing or exiting large machines, such as forklifts and trucks, making sure boots and gloves are slip resistant. It is imperative that these construction vehicles not be approached in the same way as a standard road vehicle. This type of focus should also be upheld throughout the time the worker is operating the machinery and until they are safely outside the vehicle.
Protective Gear
Tying back into construction site safety programs, personal protective equipment should be one of the first steps towards ensuring worksite safety. Actively wearing all parts of the agreed upon safety uniform keeps safety on the mind of all workers. Plus, visibility seeing this safety equipment at all times underscores the seriousness of maintaining worksite safety by all. Some of this equipment may include hard hats, reflective vests and safety glasses. It is also important to enforce that all individuals present on the worksite, not just the workers, wear this equipment. This includes both managers and visitors alike.
Next Steps
On today’s work sites, seeing the unseen risk is a key component to success. Make sure your work site is prepared to face risk head-on with the risk engineering services from Allied Insurance Brokers. At Allied, our professionals know exactly what to look for on your work site, ensuring that you are protected and prepared for any risk that may come your way. From there, we help you create a custom construction insurance plan to help manage your risk and reduce your costs, protecting your bottom line each step of the way. Own your risk before it owns you, and contact Allied Insurance Brokers today.
*Allied does not deem this blog entry as a complete and thorough listing or overview of the above topic, and does not recommend it be primarily relied on. It only highlights some common issues and resolutions. For a thorough overview, please contact Allied’s Risk Engineering Division.
