Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility – workers and employers. Several injury and death cases in the construction worksites are reported each year and this has become a cause of concern across the nation. While the government strives to reduce and put an end to such, construction workers should see to it that they protect their wellbeing as well. The following tips will be essential to help you stay safe while improving the development state of the nation. Please read on.
1. Entering and Exiting Equipment
As an equipment operator, you can easily get injured when entering or exiting your assigned equipment or any other equipment in the workplace. To reduce the risk of you or your workers suffering from related injuries, consider the following steps;
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- Do not hop up or down on equipment.
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- Always ask for help whenever you need a helping hand.
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- Wipe off any slippery substances on your gloves or boots before entering or exiting the equipment.
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- Use a hand or foothold to hoist yourself up.
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- Use relevant stairways and ladders to safely climb on the equipment.
If you or a family member is injured in the workplace just because your employer or a worker was negligent, you can consider seeking legal practice. Choosing legal representation from a personal injury lawyer can increase your odds for winning your case and receiving the necessary compensation. For instance, Hupy and Abraham handles many types of injury cases and can help you with your case.
2. Ensure Your Workers Are Properly Trained
Some workers may not be having proper educational background on construction workplace safety when they’re hired. Ensure to have a platform where workers are provided adequate training as soon as they’re hired or when new equipment is being introduced. They should be trained on how to properly operate different machinery and the necessary safety precautions. The training will enable the workers to familiarize themselves with and recognize all potential fall and scaffolding hazards in the workplace.
3. Relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Life Saving Equipment
Wearing relevant PPE is very vital for all construction workers. Different workers may require different protective gears depending on their roles. As an employer, ensure that each worker is supplied with the right equipment for their safety and smooth operation. Gloves, goggles, safety harness, non-skid rubber footwear, composite toe shoes, and breathing masks are some of the essential safety equipment to have in the construction workplace. Ensure to also have fire extinguishers and first aid kits on strategic places that can be easily accessed when needed.
4. Have A Written Hazard Communication Program
It’s important for the workers to be aware of the hazards prevalent in the construction workplace. They should be able to read and use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of all the hazardous products they’ll be handling in the workplace. Ensure to have a written hazard communication program containing an inventory of all hazardous substances in the workplace. Proper labeling, hazard warnings, and proper handling instructions are very essential.
5. Safety When Loading and Unloading Equipment
Straight and clear ramps are essential when loading or unloading equipment. This is because there’s always a risk of it rolling over, and the resulting injuries can be severe. You should avoid loading or unloading any equipment alone. Have another co-worker give you a helping hand in guiding the equipment by following the provided procedures. Ensure to always allow enough space between you and the equipment for emergency purposes.
Conclusion
Safety in construction worksites is very essential regardless of your lifestyle. Accidents may be inevitable and injuries can be severe. It’s your responsibility to protect your wellbeing and that of those around you. However, some employers and/or workers may be negligent of their responsibilities and this could result in someone getting injured or worse, death. Ensure to seek legal practice should you or your loved one falls victim of someone’s negligence. But, most importantly, stay safe and be cautious of your wellbeing.
