Construction Risks and Safety Roles for Workers and Employers
Since the construction industry is incredibly dangerous, and pose a lot of safety risks, there are many safety roles and tips that are encouraged and enforced on site. These are implemented to prevent accidents, injuries, or even worse, fatalities.
With hundreds of thousands of individuals obtaining some type of injury on a construction site annually, the following safety guidelines must be followed by both employers and workers on site, to prevent accidents from occurring. One of the biggest reasons why workers obtain injuries is either due to neglect or not following the rules and guidelines they were provided with.
As one of the most dangerous work environments amongst all, construction sites must be approached responsibly.
The risk: Falling
Both construction workers and employers, often find themselves being required to work at a height, which is why they need protection against falling. Not wearing protection is or being provided with a surface of protection, is one of the leading causes of deaths amongst construction workers.
It is also the reason why employers are being pushed to improve in their jobs, be more diligent and implement fall protection systems and safety wear.
The worker’s role: Workers must familiarize themselves with potential falling hazards on site and shouldn’t work in an area that poses a threat to them, or, isn’t safeguarded for them.
The employer’s role: Employers must provide their workers with fall protection systems. This will ensure their safety throughout the job.
The Risk: Scaffolds
It has been found that 65% of construction workers are required to work on scaffolds, which makes them more prone to falling, electrocutions and encountering object hazards.
The worker’s role: Workers should wear hard hats when they’re working either under, around or on a scaffold. They should also wear non-skid, sturdy work boots, and make use of tool lanyards to prevent falling or slipping, which will also protect workers working below them.
The employer’s role: Employers should ensure that scaffolding is designed, erected, as well as disassembled by somebody who knows what they’re doing. A competent person should thus inspect scaffolding prior to their workers commencing work daily.
The Risk: Stairways and ladders
Using a ladder properly cannot be stressed enough in construction. Improper ladder use, may cause workers to fall, obtain an injury, or even lead to fatality.
Falling caused by ladders includes failing to secure ladders, choosing the wrong ladders and attempting to carry materials or tools while climbing.
The worker’s role: Workers always maintain three points of contact, when ascending or descending a ladder, which means both feet and at least a hand that is stable. They should also plant ladders securely, and ensure it is always secured.
The employer’s role: They are responsible for inspecting ladders before it gets used daily. They are also responsible for removing defective ladders, and apart from that, provide training to workers, regarding how to use ladders and site-equipment safely.
