Knocks, Falls and crushes: 4 Ways to Improve Construction Site Safety
A Leeds plant hire recommends 4 ways to help you construct a safer work place.
The harsh reality of workplace accidents is often brought home by individual stories. Keith Johnson is a seasoned joiner with two decades of experience. Despite his extensive background, a tragic incident involving a power tool that hadn’t been tested in months, coupled with a general laxity in site rules, led to a severe finger amputation. This not only caused Keith immense personal suffering, but also rendered him unable to work for six months.
Unfortunately, Keith’s experience is far from unique, as over 61,000 individuals in the UK suffer workplace injuries annually. These statistics underscore a pressing need for improved safety measures in construction, as anyone can be affected, experienced or not.
However, these preventable incidents do not have to be an inevitable part of the job. By implementing the four proven strategies recommended by a leading Leeds plant hire company, construction sites can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and cultivate a much safer working environment for everyone involved.
1. Regularly check tools- It’s highly important that tools and equipment are regularly checked and serviced to ensure that malfunctions and problems are caught before accents can occur. This includes checklists that are checked off every two weeks to ensure that there are recorded ways to regulate the workplace and cleaning and inspecting tools after use.
- Create a recording system
- Clean tools after use
- Implement weekly checks
2. Strict PPE Rules- Personal Protective Equipment is the last line of defence against hazards on a construction site. This safety measure aims to control risks at the source. It’s not enough to just use PPE; it’s of utmost importance that it is properly fitted and mandatory.
- Create a culture of safety
- Training on how to fit PPE
3. Store tools correctly- Tools can be pretty handy, when stored correctly. When on a construction site, an active effort must be made to ensure that all tools are safely stored in the correct way, and in the correct places. As a result, there is less chance of trips and falls due to tools laying around, creating a clearer and cleaner site.
- Checklists at the end of each day
- Ensure workspaces are clear and tidy
4. Thorough safety training- Consistent and regular safety training is an obvious, yet invaluable method for maintaining a high standard of rules and regulations within the workplace. All too often, preventable problems and accidents arise from insufficient or poorly delivered training. By ensuring that all workers are not only aware of the high risks associated with their tasks but also fully understand the severe consequences of negligence, adherence to safety protocols is significantly encouraged.
Ultimately, a robust and ongoing safety training program fosters a strong safety culture within the workplace, where every employee understands their role in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of themselves and their colleagues.
- Regular training sessions
- Constant updates to training