Construction environments are naturally hazardous places with vehicles, equipment, materials, and the physical nature of the job all with their own risks. However, by following some tips, you can make your construction environment safer.
Communication
Safety rules and regulations need to be well communicated. This can be done both orally and through signage on the site. Make sure the workforce knows the right way to behave and how to protect themselves.
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Incentives
Be careful with incentives. Rewards for always showing up for work could encourage an employee to come in when they are ill and not at their best. You also need employees to be happy to report injuries, not hide them. However, incentives can be powerful motivators, so consider how you can use them to improve safety.
Discipline
Nobody likes having to discipline an employee or even terminate their employment, but it is essential to be able to do this. Have a clear and written discipline policy, making sure it applies to safety rules so that action can be taken against employees with unsafe work practices that could put themselves, their colleagues, and the general public in danger.
Housekeeping
No matter how well-trained the workforce is, hazards will remain if the site is a mess. There could be slip and trip hazards, dangerous substances and a risk of fire, puncture wounds or lacerations, to name just a few. Make sure cleaning up is part of the job, building it into rotas so that all employees gain the responsibility of keeping the site tidy and safe.
Beware of complacency
It is easy to train the workforce, make sure they understand the rules, build an effective discipline system and maintain the site, only to become complacent. Safety on a construction site is an ongoing process. Continually monitor your safety procedures and offer refresher training regularly. Keep your records up to date so you can be ready to act on any problems.