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Selected Safety Measures In The Construction Industries
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Construction work always includes heavy machinery and the handling of hazardous materials, and the trade is traditionally plagued with high accident rates. At least 1,000 construction workers are killed on site in the United States annually, while one out of every ten workers will report at least one accident a year. International statistics are no better, and governments around the world have implemented health and safety measures for the protection of the workers.
Workforce Instructions
In most countries construction workers have to go through extensive health and safety testing before being certified in their professions. Still, major building projects are preceded by health and safety induction courses to remind the workforce of its obligations to keep themselves safe. Basic safety measures are appropriate clothing called PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), which always includes hard hats (safety helmets), steel-toe boots and high viz vests. Different construction trades will have varying additional PPEs, such as safety glasses and gloves for ground workers, ear defenders for plant drivers and tool belts for bricklayers. Insufficiently equipped workers are usually expelled from site. Induction course speakers and health and safety managers will also appeal to the individual worker's common sense and focus particularly on tidiness. Trip hazards can be avoided by placing tools and machinery in their assigned locations after use. Hazardous materials, concrete included, need to be securely stored and covered to avoid pollution or contamination. Construction workers will also be reminded that a building site is not the right place to display theatrical ambitions, such as showing off tricks or capabilities that often result in the creation of dangerous situations and accidents.
Securing a Site
It is the builder's obligation to secure a site in order to protect the workforce as well as the public. All construction sites are fenced off from the public view to discourage unwelcome, often underage visitors. Signing outside the fence warns of the dangers of entering a site; signing inside the fence reminds workers of health and safety issues and appropriate clothing. On site, pedestrian areas are clearly distinguished from working areas, usually by additional fencing or signing. Flammable and toxic materials are kept in clearly signed, appropriate storage containers and away from the actual work space. Uneven ground or holes are covered by boards. Digs always are preceded by CAT scans of the ground to prevent surprises, such as service cables and hidden shafts. Plant machinery such as diggers and dumpers are used only by certified drivers with passengers strictly not allowed.
Local Specifications and Dangers
The local history of a proposed construction site is investigated to determine safety measures. If a site previously had been occupied by buildings it might be hiding unwelcome surprises such as electricity cables, excavation shafts and underground sewers. Another site might have been used as a dumping ground and needs soil testing to determine the extent of a contamination. Sending heavy plant machinery onto space previously used for mining can cause ground collapses with fatal consequences. Many building sites in Europe still need bomb squads to check that no undetonated bombs from World War II remain. Such precautions are taken before construction begins. Previously war-torn countries--usually most in need of construction work--harbor less visible explosive dangers such as mines and undetonated grenades. Becoming aware of possible dangers before accidents can occur is the most important safety measure that can be taken.
Workforce Instructions
In most countries construction workers have to go through extensive health and safety testing before being certified in their professions. Still, major building projects are preceded by health and safety induction courses to remind the workforce of its obligations to keep themselves safe. Basic safety measures are appropriate clothing called PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), which always includes hard hats (safety helmets), steel-toe boots and high viz vests. Different construction trades will have varying additional PPEs, such as safety glasses and gloves for ground workers, ear defenders for plant drivers and tool belts for bricklayers. Insufficiently equipped workers are usually expelled from site. Induction course speakers and health and safety managers will also appeal to the individual worker's common sense and focus particularly on tidiness. Trip hazards can be avoided by placing tools and machinery in their assigned locations after use. Hazardous materials, concrete included, need to be securely stored and covered to avoid pollution or contamination. Construction workers will also be reminded that a building site is not the right place to display theatrical ambitions, such as showing off tricks or capabilities that often result in the creation of dangerous situations and accidents.
Securing a Site
It is the builder's obligation to secure a site in order to protect the workforce as well as the public. All construction sites are fenced off from the public view to discourage unwelcome, often underage visitors. Signing outside the fence warns of the dangers of entering a site; signing inside the fence reminds workers of health and safety issues and appropriate clothing. On site, pedestrian areas are clearly distinguished from working areas, usually by additional fencing or signing. Flammable and toxic materials are kept in clearly signed, appropriate storage containers and away from the actual work space. Uneven ground or holes are covered by boards. Digs always are preceded by CAT scans of the ground to prevent surprises, such as service cables and hidden shafts. Plant machinery such as diggers and dumpers are used only by certified drivers with passengers strictly not allowed.
Local Specifications and Dangers
The local history of a proposed construction site is investigated to determine safety measures. If a site previously had been occupied by buildings it might be hiding unwelcome surprises such as electricity cables, excavation shafts and underground sewers. Another site might have been used as a dumping ground and needs soil testing to determine the extent of a contamination. Sending heavy plant machinery onto space previously used for mining can cause ground collapses with fatal consequences. Many building sites in Europe still need bomb squads to check that no undetonated bombs from World War II remain. Such precautions are taken before construction begins. Previously war-torn countries--usually most in need of construction work--harbor less visible explosive dangers such as mines and undetonated grenades. Becoming aware of possible dangers before accidents can occur is the most important safety measure that can be taken.
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