As the owner of a construction business, your number one priority should be the health and wellbeing of your employees. No matter what field of construction you specialize in, there are various precautionary measures that you need to take to make sure your workforce is safe and protected when performing their roles.
While it may be tempting to cut corners to save you money, construction work can be incredibly dangerous to carry out, so here are five ways on how to help keep your team safe when at work.
Invest in the Best Protective Gear
If your employees aren’t wearing the correct protective gear to carry out their duties, accidents can and do occur. It could also mean the difference between minor injuries, long-term injuries, and even fatalities, meaning it’s crucial that you provide your team with the appropriate equipment for the type of work that is being carried out. Whether it’s by providing helmets, safety goggles, high-vis jackets, or a safety harness, keeping your team safe should be at the top of your list.
Regular Training
When operating in medium and high-risk environments, construction workers need to undergo sufficient health and safety training first. Training can help ensure your employees are fully competent and aware of the risks and dangers that are associated with their actions. Whether it’s working at height, in confined spaces, or operating machinery, your team needs to know what steps to take should they find themselves in danger. First aid training should also be provided, especially if your team needs to administer basic life-saving techniques.
Display Clear Signs
On a construction site, there are many hazards and dangers that are not just for the workers, but for the general public too. It’s important that you highlight any potential hazards with posters and signs, meaning anyone passing by or working on the job can take precautionary measures. No matter the task or project you or your team are undertaking, having clear signs will help reduce accidents.
Effective Communication
Just like in any field, effective communication is key in the construction trade. Employees should be able to communicate with each other and any alternative parties, especially if they identify potential hazards and risks. As the owner, knowing how to communicate effectively with your team will ensure your team are kept safe. You should also ask your employees regularly about what strategies and measures should be taken which can help make their job safer.
Inspect Tools and Equipment Regularly
So you can be confident that your team are working at their best, as well as keeping them protected, it’s important that you inspect tools and equipment regularly. If tools are broken or unsafe, staff are at a much higher risk of serious accidents. Any defective equipment should be reported, whether it’s by an employee or yourself. For instance, a staging board is one of the essential tools in construction work, as it is suitable for working at height and can secure your safety. You can opt for a staging or youngman board hire at Lakeside-Hire if needed.
With millions of workplace injuries occurring in the construction industry each year, the last thing you want to do is add to the statistics, therefore, using all the tips listed and implementing them into your construction business can help ensure your employees are safe and protected in the workplace.