Getting the Job Done with Construction Contractors

Two tips for creating a safe construction site

5 May 2017 by Audrey Ramos

Construction sites can be extremely dangerous places to work. However, there are ways to reduce or eliminate some of the hazards associated with this type of work environment. Here are two tips for creating a safe construction site.

Focus on transport safety

Virtually all building projects require the use of construction vehicles, such as forklifts, dump trucks, front loaders and bulldozers, in order to lift and transport materials. Unfortunately, these large, cumbersome vehicles can put both their operators and other labourers on a construction site at risk of severe injury or death. Each year, many construction workers are injured or killed as a result of falling off or being crushed or hit by this type of equipment.

As such, it is crucial to focus on transport safety when setting up a construction site. There are several ways to do this. Firstly, the site should be designed in such a way that the routes used by these vehicles are not steeply sloped, have good drainage, are level, are free from any obstructions, and do not feature any sharp corners; these precautions should significantly reduce the chances of the operator losing control of the equipment when using it in wet weather, or of the vehicle toppling over when they make a turn.

These routes should be used exclusively for vehicles; pedestrians on the construction site should be provided with their own separate walkways. If the size limitations of the site do not allow for complete segregation of pedestrian and vehicle routes, then the equipment should only be used when a second person is available to act as a signaller (i.e. someone who can guide the operator of the vehicle and inform them of the presence of nearby pedestrians so that they don't accidentally run them over).

Reduce and manage construction worker's exposure to hazardous materials

Construction sites are filled with hazardous materials, such as solvents, concrete, dust, fibreglass, vehicle fumes and paint. Labourers who are exposed to these materials on a regular basis may be at risk of both immediate and long-term health problems.

Shortly after inhaling the vapours from toxic solvents, for example, they may experience nausea, headaches and dizziness. In the long-term, the inhalation of these vapours can cause serious respiratory issues. This is why it is crucial to manage and try to reduce construction workers' exposure to hazardous materials.

The site should have well-ventilated work areas in which workers can safely perform dust-generating activities or make use of solvents without inhaling large amounts of dust or vapours. Additionally, there should be clearly marked washing stations located around the site, at which workers can rinse off any lead particles (caused by stripping lead paint from walls), concrete and paint from their hands before they eat their lunch (so that they can avoid accidentally consuming these toxic substances).

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