On any construction or remodeling site, safety is always the top priority. Despite all precautions, heavy machinery accidents and power tool accidents do occur, especially if the site has additional hazards. Before beginning any work, to best preserve the welfare of all workers, a comprehensive safety plan must be written to handle any potential emergency situations. Besides gathering all necessary safety equipment, you must also take into account the location of the job site, the accessibility to all rules and guidelines, the management of workers’ space and time, and more. To learn about some of the most essential elements to add to your construction safety plan, read on.
1. Keep a First Aid Kit Nearby at All Times
When working with large machinery and equipment, accidents are prone to occur. In the event that a worker is injured on the job, every second counts toward preventing further injury or permanent damage. By keeping a first aid kit nearby, any injuries can be tended to immediately after they occur. If you have open cuts, you must clean them out right away using antiseptics and ointments before applying bandages to prevent airborne debris from causing an infection. Construction sites are also prone to burn injuries that can be treated using creams and topicals to prevent further damage. Additionally, some medications, such as ibuprofen, antihistamines, and epinephrine, are highly recommended to include in your kit for any allergic reactions that may happen. Finally, for the case of a critical emergency , it is highly advisable to include protective barriers to use during CPR to prevent any bacterial transfer during life-saving measures.
2. Provide All Workers with Personal Protective Equipment
To best protect your crew, it is imperative to provide all members with proper personal protective equipment. During construction, the environment can become polluted very quickly with dust, dirt, and debris. When inhaled, these agents can be harmful to workers and may cause respiratory problems in the future. For this reason, N95 and dust masks must be provided to all crew members. All workers must also wear helmets and safety glasses to protect their head and face regardless of their roles or the location of their work. Gloves are also essential for workers who operate power tools and machinery, as they tend to increase in temperature when in use, increasing the risk of injury or burns. When working on any construction site, big or small, it is important to be seen and visible to make sure you are accounted for and out of the way of any demolition or debris. Reflective vests are an effective, lightweight option to increase your presence and overall safety.
3. Regularly Inspect Equipment
The best way to treat any injury on a construction site is to prevent it from happening. Over time, construction tools and equipment can break down or rust, making them a potential hazard. It is highly recommended to regularly inspect all equipment throughout the project and make any necessary repairs as soon as they are noticed. By keeping a consistent maintenance routine , you can ensure that your equipment will run properly and safely for the duration of the job. If you see any significant damage, it is best to contact a professional for repairs. At Atlantic Equipment, we specialize in all repairs of construction tools and equipment to ensure you have a safe working environment.
4. Locate Nearest Emergency Services
Despite being rare, serious accidents can occur on construction sites. When disaster strikes, every moment counts towards the well-being of those who are severely injured. As mentioned above, having a properly stocked first aid kit can help with immediately tending to injuries, but they can only provide limited medical treatment. To best prepare for these scenarios, it is essential to locate the nearest hospitals and emergency services and record their names, addresses, and phone numbers before beginning any work.
5. Assign and Thoroughly Explain Job Roles for Each Worker to Minimize Over-Crowding or Confusion
On a construction site, confusion and overcrowding can be the largest contributing factors for injuries or hazardous situations. Each worker should be given a certain role and location in order to keep everyone in sight and within a safe distance of each other to avoid creating further obstacles. At the start of each day, there should be a mandatory staff meeting where the responsibilities for each personnel is identified and thoroughly explained. It is also a good idea to put these positions in writing for reference and to limit miscommunication. Similar to daily activities, specific duties should be assigned in the case of an emergency to keep the situation as under control as possible.
6. Identify All Potential Hazards, Including Weather Forecasts
Other than the standard safety guidelines and materials required for any DIY, construction, or remodeling project, you must also consider the environmental hazards specific to the designated job site. Before any work is done, a complete inspection of the designated area must be conducted whether the site is indoors or outdoors. Common challenges found with indoor renovation sites include an increased risk of airborne debris build-up, structural complications, and areas of low accessibility. For outdoor sites, the risks can be much greater when you work in unsettled soil, extreme weather conditions, and areas of uneven surfaces. During colder months, wet and slippery surfaces that already pose a danger can become more threatening as they turn to ice. To prepare for these dangerous situations, safety equipment, such as guard rails, fall protectors, ladders, generators, emergency lighting, and more can be used to stabilize the area and preserve the well-being of the crew.
7. Outline Safety Rules and Make Them Accessible for All Personnel
After all safety equipment has been gathered and safety guidelines are established, the final step is to make these materials accessible to all personnel. To make these procedures clear and easy to follow, they should be printed onto multiple large signs that are evenly distributed around the site. Several colors and languages should be offered on these signs to ensure that all workers are able to best read and understand them.
Atlantic Equipment is the Largest Distributor of Garlock Safety Equipment in the World
By creating a safety plan before beginning your project and stocking up on all safety gear, tools, and materials, you can keep your construction site and crew safe throughout any emergency situation. Atlantic Equipment is proud to say that we are the largest distributor of Garlock Safety Equipment in the entire world. We offer a wide range of safety equipment, tools and materials, as well as personal protective gear, to guarantee that you are prepared. Stop by one of our locations for more information about how to rent or buy from our extensive inventory. To find our closest store near you, or to learn more information about our services , visit our website or give us a call at 800-543-3350 .