Working in the construction industry isn’t without risk, with construction roles being determined as one of the UK’s most dangerous job roles. As a site manager, it’s your job to make sure that nobody gets injured or killed while working for you- and that’s a huge responsibility.
While you can never prevent every single accident from happening, there are actions you can take to greatly reduce the risks. Here are 5 ways you can make sure your employees stay safe while working on your construction site:
Ensure Staff Are Trained In Health And Safety
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Before any work can begin, your number one priority should be to make sure that your staff are competent and aware of the risks of working on a construction environment, particularity if they’re working at a height or a confined space.
If an employee is using specific equipment, then they need to have completed the relevant training in order to do so. Knowledge in first aid and lifesaving techniques is also advisable, though not essential.
Display Clear Signs
Signs are the clearest way to warn both employees and members of the public of the hazards in a construction site, reminding everybody to take precautions. Make sure your signs are eye catching and contain pictures to reinforce the point.
You can find a large selection of safety signs, banners and boards at discountdisplays.co.uk which are ideal for use in construction sites. They also offer custom printing and sizes for your individual needs, as well as bundles to keep the cost low.
Make Sure The Correct PPE Is Worn
The difference between a minor and major injury could all depend on whether a site worker is wearing the correct personal protective equipment for the job. High vis jackets, helmets, safety glasses and ear protection should all be available if the job requires it.
It’s your job to continuously check that your employees are wearing their PPE at all times, and make sure you inspect protective equipment regularly to see if it needs replacing.
Encourage Communication
Employees should be effectively communicating with each other throughout the day in order to stay safe and identify any risks. This can be done through radio, hand signals or mobile phone, and should be encouraged as much as possible.
Communication not only applies on the job, but also in situations outside of work, like when an accident needs to be reported. Employees should feel comfortable to report an accident or a near miss, so you should look into generating a positive safety culture in your workforce.
Regularly Inspect Tools And Equipment
Some accidents happen when tools or equipment malfunction, or no longer do the job that they’re supposed to. Broken tools offer a more serious risk for injury, so it’s imperative that you conduct regular checks to make sure that everything is working as it should be.
Employees should also be encouraged to report broken items, instead of simply putting them back for the next person to use.
