6 Top Safety Challenges on Jobsite
The construction industry has always had its fair share of hazards. From working with heavy machinery to uneven surfaces, this job comes with numerous safety challenges. The majority of the construction workers don’t know about the safety protocols of the construction sites which exposes them to a number of risks including injury.
These risks stem from conditions on the Jobsite that can be minimized with adequate safety protocols. Understanding these safety challenges is crucial for every construction worker to prevent severe injuries.
A construction firm should lookout for a solution like SmartBarrel (https://smartbarrel.io/general-contractor), which helps facilitate communication with workers about hazardous weather conditions through SMS broadcast messaging.
In this article, we will discuss six of the most common safety challenges that a construction worker can encounter on a job site.
1. Heavy-Weight Equipment
Commonly, construction workers get injured on a Jobsite due to overexertion. When the employees don’t have much knowledge about the equipment, it leads them to mistakes that result in dire consequences.
For instance, a bucket truck has a much lighter load limit than a backhoe. If the employees don’t know much about equipment capacity, they may neglect the load limit and end up getting injured. Therefore, all employees need to receive a proper training session regarding each piece of equipment they will use.
Furthermore, the weight of the equipment does not only affect the workers but it can also lead the equipment to suffer electrical failure or end up breaking down.
Let’s say If your daily construction log indicates weather changes, the construction process will require the entire crew to work on the crane to complete the construction of the ceiling before climate changes. Consequently, extra force and load on it will impact the efficiency.
2. Collision Risk With Other Construction Equipment
Workers are responsible for building secure homes, stores, buildings, and other infrastructure to set up this modern world. During this architectural process, workers have to use heavy machinery and equipment. But, what if any of the equipment malfunctions?
Malfunctioning can also occur maybe because of required maintenance or a design defect, which results in the collision of the equipment with another. The risk of potential deaths and injuries increases when massive pieces of machinery share Jobsite with the workers.
According to research by the Journal of Safety Research, accidents involving enormous trucks and backhoes account for most of the deaths and injuries. Moreover, the construction site also includes heavy machines such as construction trucks and trolleys with motor vehicles. To avoid unforeseen circumstances, it is essential to maintain your tools and equipment for a secure construction procedure.
3. Concrete Mixers Accidents
There are plenty of health and safety hazard potentials associated with concrete mixers. Typically, concrete mixers are large, heavy, and hazardous, and are connected to a concrete truck. The mixer produces a thick slurry of cement that is then pumped into the truck to be transported to the worksite.
Sharing the construction site with an uncommonly large vehicle leads to a harrowing experience. Concrete trucks are popular for spilling their cargo which turns small pebbles of concrete into dangerous projectiles. These construction vehicles take tremendous abuse and carry massive loads.
Carrying the extra pressure can lead the concrete mixer to throw off its balance and requires extra wear and tear. According to the National Safety Council, 50% of injuries on the Jobsite account for concrete drivers. Therefore, maintaining a concrete truck is essential and requires a significant amount of capital, effort, and time.
4. Crane Injuries
Crane operators often have to complete their jobs quickly, safely, and efficiently. This is especially the case when crane operators are tasked with lifting materials and boom sections are removed without any proper support to prevent the materials from falling apart.
Operating a crane without a safety cable increases the risk of falling or strain if the load is too heavy. A crane can also trip over if a worker overloads it beyond the limits.
Sometimes it can also slip or fall with the lighter objects with uneven surfaces. Crane accidents can lead to horrifying injuries and sometimes even death. Operators need to inspect the ground before getting started and load objects within the capacity limit.
5. Weather and Environment
Workers on construction sites need to be aware that the weather can bring high winds and rain that may have a negative impact on the work. Without proper safety measures during harsh weather conditions can expose the construction site to a number of hazards.
The most common accidents are slipping, tripping, and falling due to wet surfaces. For instance, walking on a wet layer of rock, concrete, or dirt can result in poor footing which may cause minor injuries. Other than that, strong winds at a construction site lead to loose materials, especially when working on heights. The chances of falling and slipping from the height increase if there is insufficient side protection.
Apart from being unpleasant to work in such conditions, inclement weather also affects communication. Consequently, not connecting with the team members or managers in harsh conditions can cause costly mistakes and sometimes even deaths.
6. Hazardous Material
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of Injuries and Illness, around 2000 construction workers suffered work-related diseases affecting their lungs and skin. Workers interact with many hazardous substances on the construction site, including gases, solvents, and other harmful chemicals.
Artificial fibers on the Jobsite are usually made with Rockwool, gases, ceramic, and slag wool which helps with the sound and temperature insulation. But installing or removing these materials can expose the workers to tiny fibers that can lodge in the lungs.
Other constructional materials like paints and cleaning fluids also contain harmful solvents. These solvents are not only harmful to the lungs, but they immediately affect the nerves and brain functionality. Working around such equipment can pose significant health risks to employees.
Final words
While all equipment is crucial for construction, it can also cause major safety issues for workers. A construction firm should arrange a session regarding workers’ safety challenges and the prevention of accidents. If the worker is prepared for construction procedures knowing all the safety measures, it will help reduce the work-related injuries at construction sites.
Not only that but investing in Jobsite safety will also help maximize productivity as fewer workers will take days off for sick leaves. Since employees are familiar with the safety challenges and preventions, it will help them complete their tasks seamlessly and safely in a timely manner.
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