Safety First - 6 Hazards in the Construction Industry

A construction site is a busy place - from heavy machinery being used to scraps of metal, wood and nails on the ground. These are all factors that could and do contribute to a potentially dangerous environment and yet a construction site is the epicenter of where something amazing begins.

We list 6 hazards that are encountered on many sites by contractors and construction workers alike. Are you aware of these dangers and are you being safe to prevent them for yourself and your crew members.

Elevated Heights

Did you know that nearly a quarter of the injuries that happen on a construction site are a result of a fall from elevated heights? There are a few precautions that can be made and taken when it comes to working at elevated heights - for one, working in pairs as well as ensuring the proper training necessary to make them qualified to work on heights. In instances where they work on scaffolding, ensuring a double guard rail can prove beneficial for ones safety especially when it comes to risks.

Slips and Trips

It isn’t just at construction sites that slips and trips occur, they can happen anywhere and at anytime; however, when they happen on a job site like that of a construction or industrial place the injuries can be much more worse and severe. When it comes to preventive measures for slips and falls, it means effectively and reactively clearing spaces that are prone to wetness or obstruction. In instances that the ground may be uneven, putting identifiers like cones can help draw attention and in instances where there is a spill or leak of sorts, wiping it up or having it cleaned to prevent a slip is also not only recommended but suggested. If you are a contractor or a site manager preventing slips and trips is just as important as making sure your crew have the necessary materials.

Loud Sounds

This hazard is the most commonly underrated hazard and yet it has some pretty damaging effects on the body. On job sites where there are large machinery and tools or even explosions, without the proper protective equipment such as headphones - not caring could result in long term hearing problems. Whether it is the sponge like orange ear plugs or the over the ear headsets, making sure to to protect one's ears is important to prevent potential hearing loss or deafness.

Electrical

When working on a job site that is being built from the ground up, it is natural that there is exposure to open and live electrical parts which is why proper identification and precautions are taken to avoid any injuries such as electrocution or fire. It is estimated that every year there are nearly 1,000 injuries that are a result of electrical cause. Whether you are working on a site with electrical components or you yourself are working with wiring - it is important to not only make sure you are qualified but exercise proper precautions.

Airborne Hazards

Indoors or outdoors, there is the potential to inhale airborne particles that cane be anything from dust to exhaust to the chemicals used in paint, primer, etc. Occasional exposure may be annoying but continual exposure can be bad for one's health and lungs and cause issues down the road. In situations where one is working with chemicals or there is a heavy amount of dust in the job site, using a mask can be a great preventative measure to ensure no breathing issues come from inhalation of airborne particles.

Materials and Equipment Use

One often assumes that being on a construction site means hammers, nails, measuring tape and a hard hat. The reality is there is so much more that can be found on a job site - from bulldozers to electrical hand saw and nail guns - there are a lot more mechanical and technical tools. Ensuring you know the proper and safe way to use the tools is important to guarantee you and your team's own safety. Not only is it important to know how to use the tools on site but the materials as well. Somer materials can only be cut or used with certain tools and if not it can result in unnecessary hazards. Know the equipment and know the materials.

Whether you are starting off in the industry or a seasoned contractors who has installed access panels for years, regardless of your field in the industry safety is something that is common across all areas.

For more helpful tips on safety and equipment, visit us at www.accessdoorsandpanels.com