Whether you are a construction worker, are currently managing a site, or own a construction company, you’re probably aware that safety should always be a top priority. When you prepare for some of the most common site risks in the industry, you may spare yourself and others from injury. Preventing many common mishaps is also a good way to minimize the cost of builders risk insurance. The best way to prepare for such risks is to know what they are and taking the steps needed to protect yourself.
Avoiding Ladder Accidents
Injuries from a ladder accident could keep you or your employees out of work for quite a long time To prevent this from happening, you can do a variety of things. Be certain that the right ladder is being used for the right job. Once a ladder is chosen, it should be carefully inspected by someone who is qualified for such a task. If a ladder is defective in any way, it should be clearly labeled so that no one uses it – then it should be immediately repaired or removed from the site.
Ladders can manifest a broad range of problems. Some of the most common signs of a defective ladder include missing rungs and damaged side rails. If an accumulation of grease or dirt residue is visible on its surface, a ladder is not safe to use. Another potential problem could be the presence of stickers, paint or anything else that might obscure a defect.
Other important details include the length and weight capacity of a ladder. Always ensure that a ladder is long enough to get a worker to the intended area safely. It’s also important to remember that the manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity for a ladder should not be exceeded; if the work materials and safety gear cause the weight on a ladder to exceed the limit, than a different ladder must be utilized in order to ensure the safety of your site.
Preventing Construction Site Falls
Falls may be common hazards on construction sites, but that doesn’t mean that they are inevitable. If you want to maximize your insurance and risk management, then starting with fall prevention just may be the best strategy. Be sure that no area of your site is unstable, and use guardrail systems when necessary. Scaffolding should always be fully planked, and scaffolds must never be used in bad weather. Floor holes should be covered, and safety nets, body harnesses and other tools should be used to help minimize your site’s risk.
Exercising Caution in Stairways
A stairway can be the scene of a nasty accident if proper precautions are not taken. No work materials or miscellaneous objects should be present in a stairwell, and anything that causes a stairway to become slippery should quickly be cleaned and dried. Many site managers use stairway treads and railways to help minimize slips and falls in the stairway.
Staying Safe In and Around Trenches
Trench collapses can lead to injuries, sometimes even fatal ones, making the need for a protective system around trenches a must have for worksite safety. In fact, workers should avoid entering any trench that remains unprotected. Many site managers employ a registered engineer to help create a protective system to ensure safety on the worksite. Regardless of the system you use, make sure you take some time to carefully inspect the system for flaws from time to time.
Being Careful With Forklifts & Cranes
Workers must always take extra care around forklifts and cranes; neglecting to do so can be disastrous. Those who operate such equipment should always have the proper qualifications and safety certifications. Furthermore, all specialty construction equipment should be carefully inspected before each and every use. Defects in forklifts and cranes should always be repaired ASAP, and appropriate procedures must be followed in order to prevent any accidents from occurring.
Averting Chemical Accidents
Chemical accidents on construction sites can be prevented, it just takes a little extra time and care. Relevant safety information on each material at the site should be carefully reviewed by workers, and having easy access to this information at all times is a must when you’re setting up your worksite. Make sure each member of your team understands what to do in case of an accident, from cleaning up spills to proper cleaning after handling.
Preventing Electrical Mishaps
Workers should always know how to implement electrical safety precautions. Electrical cords that are worn or damaged in any way must be replaced. A trained professional must inspect any damaged electrical equipment, and all defects should be immediately corrected before use. No matter where you are on the site, always make sure you know where power lines are positioned, keeping ladders and scaffolding at least 10 feet away at all times to prevent an accident.
If you own a construction company and hope to keep your construction risk insurance costs at a minimum, it is always in your best interest to provide a safe work environment for your workers. While most construction site accidents can and should be prevented, it’s always a good idea to have a safety net just in case. Make sure all of your risks are accounted for with the risk management services from Allied Insurance Brokers. With over 30 years in the industry, the construction industry insurance professionals of Allied Insurance Brokers can provide effective risk management solutions to protect your company. Don’t leave your business’s bottom line at risk and contact the Pittsburgh insurance brokers at Allied today.
*Allied does not deem this list as a complete and thorough listing of all safety issues and solutions, 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.
