Must-Follow Tips to Keep Your Construction Workers Safe
There are many reasons that construction workers likely love their jobs, but there are downsides too. Namely, it’s a job that can be more dangerous than many others. A worker who’s exposed to risks from scaffolding, structural collapses, sharp objects, falling objects, and more can be a worker in danger. The good news is that there are some steps you can take to keep your construction workers as safe as possible.
Have the right protective gear and make sure they wear it
First and foremost, make sure that everyone has their safety equipment and protective gear. A person wearing a hardhat can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a potentially fatal injury. You want the right gear at the job at all times. The specifics of what you need will vary based on the job but helmets, knee pads, safety glasses, and high-visibility jackets are good safety equipment to start with.
Of course, the equipment only does its job if your workers wear it. One of the best ways you can increase the chances that equipment is used regularly is to make sure it’s taken care of. It should be clean and in good condition. When they start to how visible signs of wear and tear replace them.
Keep your equipment – like scaffolding – well maintained
Many injuries on construction sites are the result of issues with scaffolding. You want it to be sturdy enough to handle the weight not just of the workers but of the building materials you’re moving around. Make sure it’s inspected on a regular basis to find damage. If repairs are needed, make them right away. Any type of equipment that malfunctions has the potential to cause serious injuries. It should be serviced regularly. It’s the responsibility of both you and your workers to keep an eye out for defective equipment.
Make sure your workers know proper safety protocol
Do your workers know all the safety training protocol? It’s common for a construction worker to feel that they’ve heard the same information time and time again and to just dismiss it as a result. When they begin to feel confident in their abilities, they’re less likely to take safety protocol seriously. Make sure that they have access to ongoing safety training and that they’re taking it seriously.
You may also wish to invest in secondary training. This can teach them to handle life-threatening issues and teach them to administer first aid. This is a training option that can be given to all construction workers or just a few. As long as you have on person on the job site who knows what to do in an emergency, you’ll be safer.
Of course, staying safe begins with having the right supplies. At Grove Hardware, we are proud to offer high quality tools, materials, safety equipment, etc. at fair prices. We want to ensure that your employees and subcontractors are as safe as possible. Stop by or give us a call if you have questions about your options in safety equipment.