5 Risks and Safety in Building Structures

Construction is a dangerous business. It has one of the highest accident rates of any occupation worldwide. Safety should be the top priority of any construction company.

Keeping workers safe doesn’t need to be difficult. Being familiar with the most common types of injury significantly reduces risk.

In this article, we’ll give you safety tips you need to establish a safe construction site.

1. Head Injury

The head is the most sensitive part of the human body.

Head injuries can have lifelong medical consequences. Damage to the neck and spinal cord can lead to paralysis and other serious problems.

In the worst case scenario, head injuries can lead to death. Luckily, this is easy to prevent.

Proper headgear is necessary for every construction worker. Helmets might be a pain to wear, but they are more comfortable than a trip to the emergency room.

Most helmets are inexpensive, but don’t skimp when it comes to headgear. Invest in helmets that fit.

Make sure your employees know how to wear headgear. A helmet doesn’t do much good if it’s not worn properly.

Headgear shouldn’t be loose and shouldn’t come off easily.

Helmets should not be removed under any circumstances. Visitors to the site should also be equipped with proper headgear.

Be aware of people walking by. Post signs stating that helmets are required on-site.

2. Forklifts

Forklifts might seem like any other vehicle, but they aren’t.

In fact, forklifts are one of the most dangerous vehicles in the world. They are responsible for most on-site related injuries.

Employees need training to operate a forklift. In most cases, a license is required to drive one.

Even if a license is not legally required in your state, you should require it of your employees.

Make sure the site is clear when forklifts are in operation. Everyone should know when and where the forklift is being used.

Only allow trusted workers to operate forklifts.

No one should drive a forklift after they have been drinking or taking strong medication.

3. Bad Planning

Good planning is key to preventing accidents.

When planning your construction site, think about the worst case scenario.

Thinking about the potential problems might seem frightening. It might even seem like a waste of time. You won’t be thinking that when you run into issues.

Having a good team is essential for good planning. Hire experienced architects and construction companies.

Design firms like this are experts at planning. Hiring a local company has many advantages. They will be more familiar with local legislation and understand the landscape.

Bad planning is one of the main reasons why construction is delayed.

There’s no reason for accidents to happen when they can be so easily prevented.

4. Noise Complaints

This might seem like a bit of an odd risk, but noise complaints can be a huge hindrance to construction.

Loud noises probably aren’t going to hurt anyone, but they can. Being next to an explosion or collapsing equipment can lead to eardrum damaged.

The bigger risk with noise complaints are the legal fees and delays.

No one likes having a construction site right next to their house or business.

Most cities have regulations about working hours and decibel volumes. They are different for residential and commercial areas.

If you’re working in a commercial area, become a regular customer at the coffee shop down the street.

Be friendly with your neighbors. Inform them ahead of time when you are going to be working.

Staying on your neighbors’ good side isn’t a guarantee that you’ll escape noise complaints.

Make sure you’re always following the rules and have a good legal team in case things get out of hand.

5. Electrical Problems

Electricity is more complicated than you would think.

You’d be surprised how many workers end up accidentally electrocuting themselves.

Even experienced construction workers often make mistakes and forget the basics.

You need to stay alert during thunderstorms and flooding since water is a huge conductor of electricity.

Here is a guideline for basic electrical safety measures. Go over these with your staff on a regular basis.

Conclusion

There’s no reason construction shouldn’t be a safe occupation. Follow these safety tips to ensure that your site is risk-free.