Despite plenty of safety gear and guidelines, construction sites can be a very dangerous location for employees. Small missteps in terms of safety can have catastrophic consequences, especially if an employee is seriously injured. What follows are several safety tips to help prevent accidents.
- Never carry tools by their hoses or cords
- Keep hoses and cords away from water, oil, heat, and any sharp edges
- Never use poorly designed or inadequate equipment
- This can lead to problems like carpal tunnel or tendonitis
- Protect ears and eyes at all times on a construction site
- Where possible, use power tools that have muffled noises or lower vibrations
- Report any problems with power tools to supervisors as soon as possible
- Tools that are breaking down or experiencing problems could critically injure you or someone else
- Keep individuals not on the project away from areas with machines in operation mode
- The most individuals around locations where machines are operated, the higher the chances of serious accidents
- Remain aware of your surroundings at all times
- Verify that scaffolding is solid and supportive before stepping onto it
Following these safety steps can help to minimize the negative impacts of a major accident on a construction site. As an employee, you can do your part by remaining aware and reporting problems to supervisors. If you have already been injured in an accident on the job, however, you need to be well-informed about your rights. Do not hesitate to get legal advice in this situation.