There’s a lot to learn when starting a new job. Even if the job itself is familiar, every company has policies and procedures that differ. Employers take the time to teach new hires their methods to obtain maximum productivity. Stressing all company safety measures in place is also wise.
The construction industry can be dangerous. There are often multiple tasks going on at the same time. Power tools, cranes and hazardous chemicals call all be in use at once in various areas of the jobsite.
A construction site is blocked from public access for a reason. It is a hazardous environment. Employees who don’t stay focused put not only themselves at risk, but all those around them as well.
Accidents happen without warning
Each day progresses like any other in the workplace, until it doesn’t. Working in extreme temperatures can contribute to serious complications that seemingly come out of nowhere. Ignoring the symptoms of a heart attack can instantly equal a life or death situation. Jobsite injuries that involve power tools and large equipment spring to mind when the words “construction site” and “accident” come together.
Employees who know how to react in an emergency can save a life. In the instance of cardiac arrest victims, if bystander CPR is not provided, their chances of survival fail 10% every minute they wait for EMT’s to arrive.
Heart attack victims make up most cardiac arrest cases. However, electrocution and near-drowning are other causes.
Chances are, unless employed at sea or as a pool lifeguard, near-drowning won’t come into play; but every work environment has access to electricity.
An employee that hasn’t received emergency response training might act rashly without first assessing the surroundings for hazards, putting themselves at risk of injury or worse upon entering the scene.
Employees with first-aid and CPR training can also bring a sense of calm to a chaotic situation by exhibiting their skill. Others will naturally look to them for instruction.
Employers that choose to offer first-aid and CPR courses give employees skills that they carry with them everywhere they go. That is a fringe benefit of the job that they may never even consider but may be very thankful for one day.
That’s why employers drug test
Employers often require a pre-employment drug test before officially putting a job applicant on the payroll. Promoting a drug free workplace is in an employer’s—and employees’—best interest. It’s certainly in the best interest of the drug abuser; of course, they would probably beg to differ.
However, it’s a proven fact that drug impairment in the workplace is a safety hazard. Employers must require drug tests if an employee is exhibiting signs or symptoms of impairment. Management teams train to spot the known signs of someone who is under the influence of drugs. Documentation to support their suspicion is noted and the employee is asked to submit to a reasonable suspicion drug test.
Post-accident drug tests are also commonly added to a company’s drug free protocol. Knowing whether drugs were involved in the accident is pertinent information when determining who is responsible.
Plan ahead
Putting some forethought into how the jobsite will be set up, even on a day-to-day basis, helps keep the work environment safe. OSHA requires employers to provide well-maintained tools and equipment, but planning where employees gain access to everything ensures the safest work environment. For example, those on the ground should never be working directly under crew members who are working overhead.
Deciding who will perform what tasks is also a good plan of action. Some employees naturally take to certain aspects of the job better than others.
Good Housekeeping Skills
Even if they don’t pick up after themselves at home, making sure the crew knows that isn’t the case onsite keeps everyone’s mind on the importance of jobsite safety.
Some good rules of thumb include:
- Fasten loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms;
- Fasten overhead objects to prevent them from falling;
- Keep the floor clear of debris (that includes sawdust and shavings);
- Clean up spills and address slippery or greasy walking surfaces immediately; and
- Be responsible for returning tools, equipment and materials to their designated areas.
Empower employees
Enforcing the safety measures in place must be top priority. In addition, encouraging employees to report any unsafe practices is a good idea. It reinforces the fact that safety issues are of the utmost importance. It also gives employees a sense of empowerment.
Many accidents could be avoided if someone spoke up when they saw a problem.
Go Team!
When contractors take measures to create the safest work environment possible, it demonstrates to employees that the company cares about their well-being. It also improves productivity and reduces costs.
Although people most often refer to construction workers as a crew, working together as a team falls into the job description. Knowing that their employer considers themselves to be part of the crew means a lot.
Everyone working together is the key to success.
Lastly, reminding employees periodically that they need to report unsafe practices gives them a voice. It’s the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe work environment for everyone. However, when everyone knows they play a serious part in seeing it stays that way, it strengthens the team.
