If you are ready to rethink your risk assessment and want to find out more ways to keep your team safe at work, then you are in the right place. There is always at least one thing missing on any safety checklist, especially when managing a construction site. Make sure you catch everything ahead of time before disaster strikes.
Inductions come first
Inductions at the beginning of each shift, whether day or night, is paramount for worker safety. This is so you can have peace of mind knowing that your workers are aware of any potential hazards or mishaps on the job and that they can put steps in place to ensure their own safety. Make sure workers are briefed fully before getting started to allow them the opportunity to ask questions.
Have adequate PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for anyone who may come into contact with danger, especially those who work in construction and other work sites. Ensure that all PPE is safe to use and from a reliable supplier. Additionally, have all PPE checked annually by a responsible person and remind the crew at the start of each shift that they have a further responsibility to check their individual PPE before use.
Other forms of site protection can include a work tent, where staff can be protected against adverse weather conditions, dust, and debris and have a place for storage and rest time. Check out some of the work tents created by Pelsue if you want to learn more about how these can aid employees.
Have a rescue team
Having a rescue team can often go overlooked. No matter the site, you should always ensure that there is a well-trained and confident rescue team available at all times. Rescue plans are an excellent way to keep your team safe and comfortable with potential hazards on site. Allow the crew to observe rescue drills and provide them with the details of the rescue team at the beginning of each shift during the induction.
COVID-19 protection
Protection against coronavirus is a fairly new measure for your essentials list. Not only should you make your team fully aware that they should self-isolate if they experience COVID symptoms, but you should also be providing adequate protection for them on site. This can include (and isn’t limited to) disposable masks and gloves, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant. Personalize your COVID-19 protection and think about what is truly required to keep your crew safe.
Don’t forget mental health
Across the globe, the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates in comparison to other industries. In America specifically, one study found that around 40% of adults reported that they have mental health issues in 2020. The construction industry is commonly associated with poor mental health due to the fact that it is a male-dominated profession and there are often worries about seasonal lay-offs. With that being said, be kinder to your staff and offer advice. Make them aware of the help available and always offer a helping hand.
