Construction is a sector that’s rife with potential hazards. The average site is full of heavy objects, sharp tools, and electrical cables. Moreover, the work itself can be potentially dangerous, particularly if it’s being done in the wrong way. According to the HSE, some 79,000 workers in construction suffer from work-related ill-health.
Of these, 62% are affected by musculoskeletal disorder (what we might call a physical injury), but 21% are affected by stress, depression, or anxiety. In many cases, a no-win-no-fee personal injury lawyer might end up involved, which might represent a tangible strain on the firm’s finances.
It’s the duty of site managers to create an environment that can be worked in safely. But how exactly might this be done?
Protective Equipment
A hard-hat was once something that only eccentrics bothered with – but now just about everyone recognises the difference they can make, particularly in environments where work is being done at height. As well as protective equipment, it’s also worth considering the suitability of all kinds of equipment. A job that’s being performed with an inappropriate tool might potentially represent a hazard.
Health And Safety Training
The most powerful piece of health and safety equipment, of course, is the human brain. If workers adopt practices and procedures that are conducive to good health, then they’ll be accordingly protected. They’ll be able to spot potential hazards and remove them before they have a chance to cause damage. Of course, the best way to get these procedures instilled into the unconscious mind is through regular training.
Maintenance
If equipment isn’t properly cared for, it may malfunction at exactly the wrong time. Through careful and regular maintenance, this possibility can be averted.
Scaffolding
Scaffolds perform a critical function – to keep workers safely supported when they’re working at height. But if scaffolds aren’t put together in the right way, they can cause serious injury when they fail. Regular inspection and training will help to spot errors and eliminate them before they have a chance to cause harm.
Feedback
Employees may have a strong idea of where the potential dangers lie, and what might be done to avert them. Site managers must leave themselves open to approach (and even criticism) in order to benefit from these insights.
Sleep Hygiene
Poor quality sleep can reduce concentration, increase the likelihood of a lapse, and put workers at an increased risk of all manner of long-term disorders, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. By creating a culture in which sleep deprivation is treated seriously, site managers can bolster productivity while reducing the likelihood of an accident.
