The construction industry is one of the high-demand industries and is the main source of employment worldwide. However, along with all the positives, there are a few very serious risks that come with working on construction sites. Construction projects can be very small, such as building a small portion of apartments, or sometimes large ones, but in both cases, there are always risks and risks of injury. General contractors must mitigate the safety risks of their construction workers, but workers must take many precautions to consider when working in such dangerous conditions. Therefore, proper planning and precautions play a major role in the safety of workers on construction sites.
Here are some common hazards on construction sites and some key safety advice to avoid these risks:
- Scaffolding: Drop risk can occur when the scaffolding is not used properly.
- Fall Protection (Application, Scope, Definitions): Consider using airlifts to provide safer worktops for elevated platforms
- Fossils: Never enter the trench without protection.
- Ladders – Avoid ladders of metal components near electrical work and power lines
- Head protection – Use safety net systems or body harness
- Excavations (protection system requirements) – Use a trench protection system of 1 foot or more.
- Contact risk: make information available to employees at all times in language or formats
- Fall Protection (Training Requirements) – Use an effective staff training program for hazardous materials
- Construction (public health and safety provisions) – Construction workers must wear work shoes with non-slip and sharp soles
- Electricity (wire methods, design, and protection) – regularly inspect all electrical tools and equipment for defects
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Start with safety training
All workers must have an existing white card before they can begin work on site. Site induction training must also be completed by each operator, to indicate which areas are high risk so that you can provide emergency management instructions.
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Site security
Restricted access to the site should not be placed just to protect the equipment from damage or theft. Safety both inside and outside office hours is an essential part of protecting pedestrians from potential construction hazards. This includes supervision or official site visitors.
Strict safety and security protocols will also protect contractors from burden and negligence in the event of a safety accident or security breach. The local general contractors will know the complete security protocol. For example, Edmonton general contractors will assist you better in maintaining site security in Edmonton.
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Risk reduction and management
Due to the nature of construction work, it is impossible to eliminate all safety risks. However, many common security issues can be avoided by conducting regular security audits and establishing procedures to report, assess, and address potential risks.
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Entry and exit points
Separate entry and exit points should be created to access HGV/vehicles to improve pedestrian safety at high traffic points.
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Evaluate the safe working method
A statement must be prepared for all high-risk construction projects before work begins. It must define the scope of work involved, potential safety concerns, and how to prevent and manage risks. By law, construction should not begin until the standards for the statement are met.
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Use clear banners throughout the website
The on-site SWMS (Statement of Safe Working Methods) should be clearly displayed on the construction site so that all safety protocols are easily accessible, including 24-hour emergency contact numbers and maps or directions to go. Visible signs must also indicate on-site services (such as toilets), entrances and exits, first aid, or emergency fire fighting equipment.
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Environmental conditions
Unfavorable weather conditions may bring serious safety risks. Your on-site emergency plan should provide clear guidance for workers who need to stop work during natural disasters, harsh environmental conditions, or other emergency situations.
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Store compatible chemicals
Chemicals should be stored with extreme care to reduce fire, explosion, suffocation, chemical damage, and workplace pollution. Use high-quality external storage solutions (such as explosive storage tanks) to separate chemicals and reduce leakage.
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Provide personal protective equipment (PPE)
In many cases, business owners need to provide PPS for site workers, such as sun visors, safety glasses, and safety belts. To find out which PPS you must provide for a specific project, please contact the Australian Work Safety Organization.
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First aid
For the construction industry, it is good practice to provide one first responder for every 25 workers. First aid kits and supplies must be located in an accessible area on site.
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Falling objects
It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of on-site items and reduce the risk of falling. You can view a tutorial to better understand the risks and how to avoid them by implementing preventive safety measures.
Once the project is completed and the workers return to their homes, construction safety will not end. During the construction process, all relevant parties are responsible for ensuring the use of appropriate equipment and high-quality materials, thereby avoiding future safety hazards. Now that you know so much if you are up with a commercial project and looking for general contractors in Canada.
