How construction companies can keep workers safe

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Construction is one of the most hazard prone and dangerous jobs a person can do. Some workers find themselves at dizzying heights building tall buildings, while others find themselves on the ground laying roads and foundations. It’s easy for there to be a slip up, but if a company establishes certain protocols, everyone can remain safe. Here is how construction companies can keep their workers safe. 

Never cut corners
Establish rules on how to work and how to work safely and never stray from them. The minute a worker decides to make their own rules or skirt around a certain rule is when someone can get fatally hurt. Supervisors and managers must be on top of everyone’s safety protocols every day to ensure everyone gets to go home at the end of the work day.

Establish a vibe throughout the company that alerting management about someone who is not being safe is a good thing and not something to be ashamed of. 

Keep equipment working
A lot of off-highway equipment needs to be constantly checked and serviced to ensure it will never fail on a worker at a very critical time. Making sure brakes are checked, gears are working, Fil filters are installed to keep the engine running smooth, and there is enough fuel in the vehicles will ensure that they will properly operate as they are being used. 

When equipment servicing lapses, there is a greater chance of the machine malfunctioning and someone getting seriously injured. 

Allow workers to rest
Construction is hard work and a lot of employees can get tired quickly. A tired mind leads to a lot of human error and an entire project can get derailed. If a worker needs a minute, give them two. Allowing for there to be certain amounts of down time in the day without sacrificing the schedule or performance gives workers a minute to get their heads on straight and prevent mistakes.

If five extra minutes means saving someone’s life then it is definitely worth it. 

Use sustainable materials
A lot of construction workers put their health at risk when they are using materials that can make them sick. Certain chemicals and materials can cause major health problems. Working with dusty materials can cause toxins to get into the lungs. Tearing down old buildings can expose someone to asbestos. Using certain cleaners can cause harmful fumes. 

The best a company can do is use organic materials that do not contain cancer-causing agents, and provide your workers with the proper protection if you cannot get organic materials. Masks, gloves, and protective suits are all useful in keeping a person safe. 

Over-communicate
Whether it is through signage posted everywhere, emails, memos, or verbal communication, over communicate. The more a person knows the easier it will be for them to keep themselves safe and out of harm’s way. If anything changes to protocols, let workers know ASAP. Never be afraid to point out a mistake or show someone how they can perform their job safer.