Tuesday 27 April 2021

Maintaining best practices in construction site safety

 

Construction sites are one of the best examples of why occupational safety must be observed. The hazards are everywhere. Martin Sanders suggests that contractors maintain site safety practices monitored and checked by a competent safety officer. Here are some of the best safety practices that should be maintained on-site.

Image source: ohsonline.com


Safety training

Construction workers should be made aware of the hazards and safety of the construction site. Workers or subcontractors must undergo proper safety training before entering the area. It is the responsibility of the general contractor to provide written and hands-on training to its employees. Online resources are even available, where training tips and safety education are provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), notes Martin Sanders.

Proper site equipment

A construction worker must always wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) while on-site. These could be high visibility clothing making sure they could be seen, safety boots to protect their feet, and hard hats against falling debris. But proper equipment should not be limited to wearable gear only. Construction workers should also be hydrated with available water to drink. There should also be designated areas for rest.

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Basic medical procedure

OSHA recommends that a trained first aid provider be present on-site; otherwise, the site should maintain strict procedures in case of emergency. According to Martin Sanders, a first aid provider must have undergone training to acquire knowledge and skills in first aid, CPR, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Captain Martin Sanders is a seasoned public health and safety expert with more than 12 years in the occupational health and safety sector. He served as Director of Safety, Environmental Compliance and Emergency Management of the Federal Occupational Health, Program Support Center, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. For similar writings, visit this blog.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, or the United States Government.