Pre-construction Job Safety Checklist
Construction sites contain many different types of risks that make them potentially dangerous places for workers. According to the United States Department of Labor, every day almost 6.5 million people work on construction sites, where the rate of fatal injuries is higher than for any other workplace. Before beginning a construction project, employers are responsible for taking safety precautions.
Training
One of the most important considerations for employers before a construction job begins is worker training. A construction site should comply with the expectations workers have based on their training, and only fully trained workers who understand the importance of safety precautions should be allowed on the site. Training must include both formal instruction and hands-on, supervised experience performing particularly dangerous tasks. If a construction site includes special environmental dangers, employers need to inform all employees of the risks and steps for accident prevention beforehand.
Equipment
Before a construction job can begin, the employer must check all tools and equipment, including safety gear, and ensure it is operational and that there is an adequate supply for the number for workers. Besides general safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves and eye protection, this includes specialized equipment such as scaffolding and harnesses for working at great heights or ventilation equipment and masks for working in confined spaces or in the presence of harmful chemicals.
Controlled Access
Construction supervisors also need to ensure that a construction site is controlled and closed off to unauthorized access. This generally involves erecting fences and signs that designate the area as a construction site and prohibiting entry to unauthorized personnel. To benefit workers, signs should indicate the potential risks in each area, as well as designate safe areas for breaks and meals.
Insurance
To safeguard their financial interests, as well as long-term employee health and safety, employers must also purchase adequate insurance for their construction sites. This includes insurance of property on the site, such as tools and structures, as well as liability insurance to cover any medical costs, including emergency and long-term medical care, that results from a workplace accident.
Training
One of the most important considerations for employers before a construction job begins is worker training. A construction site should comply with the expectations workers have based on their training, and only fully trained workers who understand the importance of safety precautions should be allowed on the site. Training must include both formal instruction and hands-on, supervised experience performing particularly dangerous tasks. If a construction site includes special environmental dangers, employers need to inform all employees of the risks and steps for accident prevention beforehand.
Equipment
Before a construction job can begin, the employer must check all tools and equipment, including safety gear, and ensure it is operational and that there is an adequate supply for the number for workers. Besides general safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves and eye protection, this includes specialized equipment such as scaffolding and harnesses for working at great heights or ventilation equipment and masks for working in confined spaces or in the presence of harmful chemicals.
Controlled Access
Construction supervisors also need to ensure that a construction site is controlled and closed off to unauthorized access. This generally involves erecting fences and signs that designate the area as a construction site and prohibiting entry to unauthorized personnel. To benefit workers, signs should indicate the potential risks in each area, as well as designate safe areas for breaks and meals.
Insurance
To safeguard their financial interests, as well as long-term employee health and safety, employers must also purchase adequate insurance for their construction sites. This includes insurance of property on the site, such as tools and structures, as well as liability insurance to cover any medical costs, including emergency and long-term medical care, that results from a workplace accident.
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References
http://www.ehow.com/info_8353769_preconstruction-job-safety-checklist.html
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