Avoid Construction Site Danger With These Safety Tips

Safety is an important consideration almost anywhere and especially at construction sites. Because there are so many tools and potential hazards involved in construction, being aware of some of the ways things can quickly go wrong and become dangerous may be the greatest way to protect yourself. So lets look at everything that must be considered while on a construction site:

1. Use Safety Equipment - Wear clothes and gloves that are appropriate for the work and weather conditions. Loose clothing is dangerous around power tools. Keep your feet protected with work boots or thick-soled shoes - there are often objects that fall or nails sticking out of boards. Wearing your hard hat is a given - if you are doing any framing and truss-setting phases of construction, you should be wearing your hardhat at all times. Protective glasses are important too, things can fly into your eyes at any moment and our eyes are important. Dust masks and earplugs are often advisable for workers regarding long term care of your body.

2. Keep Work Site Clean - Maintaining a clean work site contributes to the efficiency of the worker and is important in preventing accidents. Position building materials and supplies in piles that provide aisles and walkways. Stay on top of cleaning up all rubbish and scrap materials. Do not permit blocks of wood, nails, bolts, empty cans, pipe, wire or other materials to accumulate on the work site. Keep tools and equipment that are not being used in chests, panels or toolboxes. This protects the tools and the workeers.

3. Watch for Poisons and Toxic Substances- The poisons, toxic substances, and hazardous materials that can be found most often on a work site are adhesives, solvents and surprisingly, animal feces. Special care must be taken when you come in contact with any of these substances or any unfamiliar substance. For instance, painting and cleaning solvents should be stored in labeled containers with safety instructions. Wear dust masks when working in dusty areas that could contain dust containing animal feces (such as rodent droppings).

4. Use Tools Properly - These are some of the basics of construction and yet, people often forget them. If you are using a saw, don't bind the blade of any saw. If a saw blade binds, it will kick back toward the operator. Use two hands to hold circular saws and have solid footing. Don't overreach. Keep electric cords out of the way of the saw. Never lower or carry a power tool by its cord. A three-pronged plug must be used on all electric power tools. Extension cords must not have frayed insulation or be fastened with staples, hung from nails or suspended from wires.

5. Scaffolding and Ladders - Use a ladder that will reach the work. A ladder should reach three feet above the step off point. For every four feet of height, move the bottom of the ladder one foot away from the wall. Place ladders on solid footing. Never use an aluminum ladder in the vicinity of electrical lines and never use a ladder outdoors during inclement weather or on very windy days. Don't leave loose objects on the roof or a on a ladder. Keep your tools in your tool belt at all times. Put away nails and place plywood and stack shingles so that they are stable and secure. As for scaffolding, make sure that it is elevated 10 feet or more and equipped with a safety railing. All scaffolds must be equipped with a toe board to eliminate the possibility that tools or debris will be kicked or pushed onto people below. A scaffold must be designed to support four times the weight of the workers and the materials resting on it. Scaffolding components that are not designed to be compatible should not be mixed. Inspect all scaffolding each day before using it. Never use damaged or defective equipment and avoid rusted parts since their strength is unknown. When erecting scaffolding, provide adequate sills for the scaffold posts and use base plates. Use adjusting screws, not blocks, when on an uneven grade. Make sure to plumb and level scaffolding and do not force end braces when constructing the scaffolding.

6. Common Sense Items - Stay focused on your job, your surroundings and be aware of others around you. Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen. Know the location of first aid kits; protective equipment, and hospital/urgent care facilities. Protect your back by bending your knees to lift and don't lift beyond your ability.

Yes safety is important. And while many of these safety tips may seem obvious, it is a good idea to make sure you and those who work around you are updated and reminded about the basic rules of safety. Protecting yourself and your employees will save you money and time in the moment and in the long run.

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