What Every Building Site Worker Needs to Know About Health and Safety

What Building Site Workers Needs to Know About Health and Safety

Every construction site is dangerous, but with the right knowledge and precautions, it doesn’t have to be. Construction sites are inherently hazardous, which is why strict health and safety regulations must be followed at all times. Construction workers face risks daily, so they must understand what they need to do to stay safe. Working on a construction site requires a lot of physical effort, and you will often have to lift heavy things or walk long distances in difficult terrain. Even though you may not spend your days at the office, as a construction worker, you put your life at risk every day you go to work. Therefore, it is essential to know what every construction site worker needs to know about health and safety.

 

Hazards and risks in a construction site

Construction sites are dangerous places, and there are many hazards and risks that construction workers face daily. Some of the most common hazards include:

 

Falls

Falls can happen at any time on a construction site, even if you are just climbing a ladder. Falling objects can be deadly, and most fatalities on a construction site happen when someone gets hit by something falling.

 

Crushing

Blunt force trauma, crushing and amputation can happen when heavy objects fall on you while you are working. Even if you survive the initial accident, there’s a risk of infection and amputation.

 

Electrocution

The risk of electrocution is high. Construction workers are often on rooftops or in high areas with an increased risk of an electrical shock. Make sure you follow proper safety protocols and always wear the correct safety gear when working on or near wires.

 

Equipment Safety

Construction sites often use heavy equipment and materials to build their structures. Depending on the construction type, you may use bulldozers, cranes, tractors, excavators, and many others. Before using any piece of equipment:

1. Make sure you know how to use it properly.
2. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure someone with experience has trained you.
3. Always wear the right gear when you’re operating heavy machinery.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the type of safety gear you need to wear, such as helmets, safety belts or gloves. If other people are also operating the machinery, ensure they are properly trained, too.

Managing risks and recognising hazards

Every construction site is different, so it’s impossible to create a single list with every risk associated with construction sites. However, several general hazards can occur at any construction site. Some of these hazards to look out for include the following:

 

Dust and bacteria

Dust from cement, bricks or other materials can contain bacteria. Breathing in this dust can cause respiratory problems, such as allergies, asthma, or even silicosis.

 

UV exposure

When you work outside, you are exposed to the sun, which can cause sunburn and skin damage. The UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 3 pm, so ensure you wear the right protection during these hours to protect yourself.

 

Electrical injuries

When you work with electrical equipment or are in contact with wires, there is a risk of electrical injury. Ensure you are properly trained to work with electricity and always follow the proper safety protocols when working with wires.

 

Tips for staying safe on a construction site

If you want to stay safe on a construction site, there are a few things you can do to prevent accidents. Some of these include: Before you go to work, always complete a full hazard analysis and risk assessment. This will help you identify potential hazards and risks on your site.

Communicate. Construction sites involve many people, so make sure you have open communication lines between suppliers and clients. Follow the correct procedures. If you are working on a certain project, make sure you follow the correct procedures. If you don’t know how to do something, find out and make sure you get the help you need.

 

Final words: Stay safe!

If you follow the advice in this article, you will be well on your way to staying safe while working on a construction site. First, however, stay vigilant, ensure you know your work site's hazards and follow the correct safety procedures. When you do this, you will significantly reduce your risk of injury.