Worried about your safety at work? Construction sites are full of potential hazards and sometime accidents are unavoidable.
More often, though, incidents can be prevented with clear thinking and precautionary measures.
The best way to avoid injury is to follow these important safety tips that every construction worker should know.
1. Know Where the First Aid Kit Is
Accidents can happen at any time, typically when you least expect them to. Because of this, you need to know exactly where the first aid kit is kept, at all times. Not only should you know where it is, but the first aid kit should also be easily accessible.
Time is of the essence when dealing with injuries, especially cuts. Someone responsible should be in charge of making sure the kit is well stocked at all times, though you should personally check it yourself for extra precaution.
2. Ensure All Tools Are Operating Correctly
Malfunctioning equipment is one of the greatest risks in a work place. Tools that are not operating correctly can cause burns, electrocution and other severe injuries. This is why it is important to make sure the tool you are using is performing as it should be and is properly set up.
For example, a grinder disk that is not properly attached can break free and cause serious cuts or severe bruising. Don’t tolerate faulty or worn out gear. Tools are easy to replace with power tool stores like AEG Powertools, providing quick and simple access to their product range. Plus, new tools are far less likely to malfunction, keeping you much safer.
3. Wear Proper Safety Gear
Wearing the proper safety equipment will help you and those around you stay safe in the work environment, especially high visibility clothing. While being on the ground might not seem dangerous, it is important for heavy machinery drivers to spot you easily in visible clothing.
Eye and ear protection can often get overlooked too. Using power tools for extended periods of time will have significant effects on hearing later in life, which is why hearing protection is a must. The same goes for eye protection. A small spec of concrete dust or metal shard can cause a huge amount of pain for the eye, even leading to serious damage. Always be mindful of protecting your eyes and ears at any work site, even when you’re not handling power tools.
4. Be Vigilant
Careless actions almost always end up resulting in injury, and it may not be you that gets hurt. By being vigilant with your safety and that of others, you are far more likely to avoid injury. If everyone in the workplace watches out for each other and ensures they follow the proper safety guidelines, everyone can make it home in one piece.
Safety should always be the most important thing in the workplace, wherever it is you are working. It simply isn’t worth risking your life to get a job done faster. Bottom line: a visible first aid kit, vigilance, proper safety gear and the right tools will help ensure your safety and those around you at construction sites.
Thank you for advising your readers to be vigilant. The best way to avoid workplace accidents is to know the risks of what is going on around you. Besides what you said about being aware of your environment, I would also like to add that people can also avoid accidents by getting a good night’s sleep and by avoiding using any mind-altering substances while at work.