According to World Statistics, more than 340 million workplace accidents occur every year. This includes acts of violence, personal injuries, work-related diseases, and any other unexpected event that harms someone.
However, while the term “unexpected” is often used with workplace accidents, it’s possible to prevent their occurrence through safety training. The more you educate your employees, the more they will work safely — hence reducing accidents.
In some countries like Australia, obtaining worker safety training and certifications like white card Canberra is mandatory. This is a testimony of how necessary education can be for your employees, especially in the construction industry.
Thus, if you want to level up further, here are eight tips for promoting a safe work environment in your construction business:
1. Set Clear and Concise Rules
First things first, you should establish safety standards for your construction business. Define what is allowed and what is not – in terms of protective gear, work practices, emergency procedures, and other safety protocols.
These clear and concise rules will serve as guiding principles for every worker on-site. They will also help foster a culture of accountability and awareness. Your employees will know that they have to be careful about the rules, or else they will be held accountable.
2. Plan and Distribute Work Schedules
Most of the time, construction workers have no idea what they will be doing on the day or what others will be doing in the different zones of the workplace. They find things as the day proceeds, and they move from one zone to another.
This creates a lot of room for accidents. Your employee may slip on a wet surface, get hit by a falling tool, or touch a toxic chemical. That’s simply because they didn’t know the area was dangerous.
So, it’s best to distribute work schedules to the employees. You can also use team management software to inform everyone about the risky and safe zones at the workplace.
3. Recruit Supervisors
The responsibility of a supervisor is to manage the team. They educate, direct, and counsel the employees to ensure better workflow. So, although it may seem like an unnecessary expense, recruiting supervisors can help improve workplace safety.
These professionals will oversee operations, enforce protocols, and guide workers through potential hazards. You can hire one supervisor for each floor of the company. This will not only ensure thorough safety but will also encourage accountability in the team.
4. Encourage Transparent Communication
Having open channels of communication may help make the workplace more safe. This is because when your employees have the option to talk to the authorities, they are more likely to report concerns, share observations, and seek clarifications.
You can learn about potential problems quickly and resolve them before someone gets seriously injured. However, make sure your employees feel free to discuss issues.
5. Offer Breaks
It’s highly dangerous to work when you’re fatigued and exhausted. According to researchers, it’s the same as drunk driving. Your memory, concentration, balance, and decision-making are affected.
So, offer your workforce regular breaks. This will allow them to recharge, maintain focus, and prevent fatigue-related accidents. It will also enhance their productivity and alertness.
However, make sure your team is resting for at least 20 minutes. Short breaks (less than 20 minutes) won’t have much effect, and your employees will still feel the tiredness.
6. Invest in the Latest Equipment
With every passing day, the world’s technology is becoming more and more advanced. People are constantly introducing new tech and improving the existing one to make it more efficient and safe. So, even though it’s a huge investment, it’s also a profitable one.
The latest equipment will include safety features like automated shut-off systems and sensors detecting nearby obstacles. This machinery will protect your workforce from unexpected accidents and foster a safe work environment.
7. Maintain the Equipment Regularly
To keep things safe and working well on a construction site, it’s super important to look after the machines and tools regularly. This means checking and fixing them up often to make sure they’re in top shape.
When machines get regular maintenance, it lowers the chances of them breaking down or causing accidents. So, by taking good care of the equipment, everyone stays safer, and the work can go on smoothly without unexpected problems popping up.
8. Perform Regular Inspections
Lastly, make sure to conduct regular inspections to identify potential hazards before they escalate. Check the equipment, structures, and work areas. If there’s something broken or damaged, get it repaired before it causes an accident.
You can also assign this task to a supervisor. He will do a proper safety audit and inspect the workplace regularly.
Alternatively, you can hire an external team of professionals to check your equipment and safety standards. Their charges are a bit high, but they provide an in-depth analysis with solutions. You can quickly implement them to create a safe work environment.
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