Construction workers: Five safety measures you should be taking

Image credit: Skitterphoto from Pexels

When you work in construction, you are working in a dangerous occupation and there is no getting away from that fact. It's never a fully safe working environment, from the materials you use to create a structure or foundation, to the tools you use to get the job done. Construction is often all about edges, excavation, collaborating with others to ensure a safe build with hazardous material. When you don't manage the site and the equipment on site correctly, you end up with a bad working environment - not something anyone should be aiming for.

​Health and safety is important in any industry, but in construction it can literally mean the difference between life and death. Whether you use forklifts and diggers or you handle corrosive materials and Fosroc chemicals, you cannot make mistakes. Understanding which health and safety measures are most important as you work will enable you to complete construction projects without worrying that you're doing it wrong. Below, we've got five safety measures that you should be taking when on the construction projects you gain.

1. Checking It Twice. Checking your site and work area twice is not a bad idea in construction. You have to consider what it is like to work on scaffolding, how to manage your site when there is dangerous chemicals and equipment around and you have to be more aware of yourself, too. Construction sites are associated with high injury levels and it's often due to cluttered working environments. Twice-checking everything is simply good working sense. If you are aware of all the movement around you, you are going to be aware of the actions of others. This will enable you to work properly on the job and keep others safe. Everything on a construction site is a threat, and your awareness is key.
   
2. Shocking. Electricity wires and equipment do not marry well together, especially if you are unaware of the electrical wiring and the layout. It's up to you to ensure that you know the site well before you get started. Being aware of the wiring around and below you is a must, and you should also be aware of where water is in relation to the equipment you are using. Rain creates puddles, and trailing cables and open wiring is going to be a - well, shocking - situation to be in.
   
3. Fire Prevention. Injuries happen with a lack of fencing in construction, but the other hazard to alert yourself to is the risk of fire. Fire prevention will make a huge difference to whether your job is a safe one or not. You have to know the fire hazards, but also have the equipment to put a fire out if necessary. Take the time to do a fire risk assessment before you get started.
   
4. Protective Gear. Boots, helmets, hi-vis clothing, coats and waterproofs are all a must on a construction site. Ear plugs or earmuffs are also important to muffle sounds and prevent having any issues with losing your hearing. Without protective gear, you are unable to work safely and you are putting your own insurance at risk.
   
5. First Aid. No matter the type of site you are in, keeping First Aid boxes close to you is so important. You should also have easy access to a telephone to all for help should you need it. Most construction workers equip themselves with a radio, too