Managing a construction site’s general health and safety can seem difficult, especially if unforeseen circumstances happen to the workers. Accidents can be prevented, but this is easier said than done for complicated worksites. The term ‘occupational hazards’ is almost synonymous to infrastructure worksites, which are known for being prone to danger because of gravity, electricity, or work pressure.
Various efforts are being undertaken to lessen accidents in a given jobsite. This includes constant reminders to prevent hazardous practices, using personal protection equipment, and injury prevention methods. Nevertheless, team leaders and supervisors are responsible for the health and wellbeing of their teams. Here is a short list of reminders that will help reduce incidences at the worksite, while optimizing the performance of the team.
Training and meeting with the workers
Just because they know the basics of keeping themselves from harm does not mean they should not be reminded of the basics of site safety. It is recommended that safety meetings be conducted regularly to address any of the usual circumstances while ensuring that they all comply with standard safety procedures. For those conducting the meetings, try to keep them short and comprehensible. Cover all the necessary topics such as the proper storage of construction materials, mentioning site events that are relevant to health and safety, and acknowledging their hard work.
Conduct constant site inspections
This does not only refer to the workplace environment but also looking out for any repetitive habits of the workers that could potentially be dangerous. Construction site inspections need to be done by supervisors, leaders, and/or project managers, since they are in charge of assessing the condition of each area and activity on site. They should be vocal about their findings if they feel the presence of anything remotely perilous.
Assessing the workers’ morale
Any worker who is of sound mind and body can get through the day without a hassle. But if leaders find someone who looks distracted, then they should take the time to talk to them. From the conversation, the condition of whether the worker is fit for duty will be apparent. A couple of bad apples can spoil the basket, and in a worksite, it can lead to a domino effect of life threatening events. Decisions are crucial when it comes to prioritizing safety over manpower count. If instead of one worker, it is the entire team that seems out of it, giving them a nice pep talk is a good start. If they get unruly to the point of putting themselves and their team in danger, enforce the appropriate disciplinary action. This can take the form of written warnings, suspension, or even the possibility of termination due to insubordination.
Ensure cleanliness in the workplace
There is nothing more demoralizing than a worksite that looks like a tornado passed through it. Not only is it an ugly sight to behold, but it can also bring to numerous safety issues that need to be rectified immediately.
Cleaning the work area involves more than just a mop and a pail of water. Everything should be taken into account, including the segregation of materials and keeping them safe from the elements. This involves excess materials, equipment, and broken materials. The cleanliness of a work area is crucial in maintaining a clear head for the workers there. The last thing anyone needs is getting someone hospitalized because of a rusty nail that was left lying around.
The process of building huge structures will always be riddled with danger. That is why it is necessary for field leaders and workers to take the time to evaluate their surroundings and to work with the utmost care. But even if they have taken every precaution possible, they should still be prepared to deal with any site-related emergencies that can come their way.
