In Australia, 30 people in the construction industry lost their lives, and 12,500 people sustain serious injuries annually.

If you own a construction company or are a construction project manager, you must focus on your team's safety measures and eliminate all risks.

Here are all the major measures that can ensure a safer site and healthier work environment!

1. Invest in quality PPE

Construction workers are highly prone to accidents, including serious injuries to the eyes and limbs. So, invest in high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers.

These include safety goggles, gloves, strong hats, vests, safety harnesses, knee pads, and respirators. Such gears can eliminate the chances of mechanical, chemical, physical, electrical, and radiological accidents.

Teach all workers how to wear them, how to care for them, and when to wear each of them. Never assume that everyone knows all the functionality of the gear. Perform regular inspections about proper gear maintenance.

Ensure the gear fits all the workers. Buy gear of the specific size or customise fitting gear if anyone is smaller or bigger than the standard size.

2. Get reliable scaffolding set

Every construction project includes working at heights and reaching hard-to-reach areas. There's a high chance of your workers falling on-site and meeting accidents.

So, create a safer worksite for everyone who hires scaffolding in Auckland. You can hire it for short or long term, based on your needs. It's a great option for builders or house painters, especially if you're low on budget and don't want to buy one.

Make sure you connect with a scaffolding system provider that meets all safety standards, inspection, and maintenance regulations.

The best companies provide complete scaffolding sets with ladders, toeboards, access platforms, and handrails. Double-check with your provider and ensure you get nothing less than the best for your money!

3. Conduct complete site training

Train the entire team of workers on safety in the specific site before project commencement. Revise the primary safety measures and protocols in short and discuss the unique dangers of the specific construction site in details.

Safety officers must ensure that all workers understand the risk and significance of each safety measure.

If necessary, you can also invest in an online construction site safety training course. This ensures that everyone is prepared and confident on the site.

4. Prepare to face lifting hazards

One of the common laborious construction site tasks that can cause accidents is heavy equipment lifting. Despite how careful or well-trained workers are, there's always a scope for rookie mistakes that can lead to paralysis or even death!

Ensure all workers follow proper lifting protocols. Everyone must understand their lifting limitations and not push themselves. Remind them that there's nothing bad in seeking help. Tell them to report ASAP when they feel uncomfortable after or during lifting tasks.

5. Minimise risks

Construction work sites are full of dangers. So, before starting a project, conduct a safety audit. Assess and address existing and potential risks. If any risk can't be eliminated completely, minimise it.

6. Consider the environment

Extremes of weather and environmental conditions are also hazardous to workers. Whether it's heavy rain or snow, scorching heat, or strong winds, be prepared with an emergency plan to keep all workers safe.

Share clear guidelines with workers who must stop working during natural disasters. The construction manager must always be prepared to take emergency actions and guide everyone.

7. Post clear signs

At the construction site, every area must be clearly labeled with the right signs. For instance, include maps and directions to the site at the site office and entrance.

Mark the emergency room, first aid office, and/or emergency hazard equipment rooms, along with their contact number. Put up signs for toilets, break rooms, and other amenities.

Label the entry and exit points of heavy equipment to ensure pedestrian safety on those routes.

8. Store chemicals responsibly

All chemicals used in the construction site must be stored strategically. If there are chemicals that can react with each other and cause pollution, fire, explosion, or injury, they must not close by. Invest in quality outdoor storage and cabinets to avoid accidents caused by spillage.

Conclusion

With these construction site safety tips, you'll overcome most of the concerns. However, remember that every site is unique and needs a different safety strategy. So, assess and adapt to specific conditions continually for best measures!