How to keep construction site staff safe

Health and safety is crucial across all industries, but especially so in construction. That’s because construction sites, and the equipment and materials involved, are in a constant state of flux. Poor organisation, adherence to regulations, or failing to account for risk, can lead to huge ramifications. As well as the human cost, fines for companies guilty of not keeping their employees safe can reach into the millions.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand the responsibilities every construction business has to its staff, and the steps it can take to ensure staff safety and business continuity.

Review regulations

It is critical to understand the health and safety regulations which govern your industry. By understanding the rules you’re held accountable to and the specific requirements and guidelines for construction sites, you can operate safe in the knowledge you’re working safely. 

The Health and Safety Executive is a great place to start if you’re unsure what the. Involving a health and safety professional can also provide expert advice to ensure compliance and a safe working environment.

Get the right PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) keeps staff safe, should an accident occur, and can actively prevent accidents from happening. Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vests. 

Your specific PPE requirements may vary depending on the nature of the site and work, so conduct risk assessments and consult PPE experts to make sure every base is covered.

Site organisation

Maintain a clean and well-organized construction site to minimize tripping hazards and ensure clear access to emergency exits and firefighting equipment. 

Additionally, having a dedicated office area can also aid safety. By hiring a modular building, site managers can provide a place for staff to take breaks, conduct non-manual work, or receive briefings. This ensures that personnel are kept away from hazardous areas where construction is actively occurring. 

Risk assessments

Each site carries different risks, from dangerous drops due to excavations, heavy objects being lifted over personnel by crane, or dangerous materials being held on site. To appraise all sources of risk and devise a plan to protect staff from them, conduct a thorough risk assessment of the construction site to work out which safety measures are most appropriate.

Safety training

It’s crucial you ensure that all workers receive a high standard of safety training. This should include general safety procedures, hazard identification, emergency response, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Emergency preparedness

If the worst occurs, your workers need to be ready. Develop and communicate an emergency response plan that includes evacuation procedures, first aid facilities, fire safety measures, and reporting protocols for accidents or injuries. That way, you can be sure that incidents won’t breed further danger.

Hazardous materials storage and handling

Identifying and managing hazardous materials can prevent incidents which might harm personnel and the environment.To do this, provide safety data sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used on-site, implement appropriate storage and handling procedures, and properly train workers on the safe use of materials, preventing untrained staff from handling materials.

Keeping workers safe is crucial in protecting their health and ensuring the continuity of your business. Which of the tips above do you think is most important? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.