Construction projects involve a wide range of heavy equipment that can compromise operator health and personal safety. According to OSHA, construction accidents accounted for over 20% of worker fatalities in 2018. While the nature of the job presents its share of dangers, it’s possible to reduce risks with the help of preventative measures.

Protecting your employees and bystanders should always be one of the main priorities during a project. To exercise the safest practices and minimize the risk of workplace incidents, follow these construction site safety tips for leadership and employees.

Have a Job Safety Plan

The first step in preventing safety issues on a construction site is being aware of the risks and developing a plan to mitigate them. Incorporating strict workplace policies, plans of action for emergencies and safety inspections can all help protect against accidents and major financial losses.

Empower your employees to protect themselves and the people around them by making them aware of all safety policies and procedures. They will feel more confident, and so will you. When employees know exactly how they are expected to respond in a hazardous situation, they will be less likely to make mistakes and more likely to take immediate necessary action, protecting themselves and others.

Ensure Workers and Equipment Meet Construction Safety Rules

Construction workers may operate cranes, lifts, excavators and other pieces of heavy equipment that can present hazards if they’re outdated or used incorrectly. OSHA construction standards cover factors such as fall protection, safety gear, policies for health hazards and more.

Meeting the necessary construction site regulations involves conducting periodic inspections, staying up to date on fleet maintenance and preparing workers for all potential risks. Following all OSHA guidelines will lower the possibility of sudden mechanical failures and injuries on the job.

Practice Additional Construction Site Safety Measures

Every construction site presents different safety challenges, and every construction team has different needs. Once you have developed a general job safety plan and ensured compliance with all applicable regulations, consider these additional construction site safety tips:

• Implement training procedures: The last thing you want to do is send a construction worker into the field before they’re prepared to accept and deal with the risks. Training is one of the most important parts of any safety plan, regardless of individual company requirements.
• Practice effective communication: Miscommunication is the number one mistake to steer clear of when you work in construction, as it can lead to costly mistakes and accidents. Giving your employees access to radio communication or cellphones can help them reach one another quickly if an emergency occurs or adjustments need to be made.
• Incorporate fleet management: Fleet management strategies help you better control each machine to increase security and profits. Whether they involve investing in a tracking software solution or implementing highly advanced diagnostics, fleet management strategies can encourage safety on construction sites, reduce theft, monitor equipment condition and more.

Contact Mustang Cat Today

Implementing these construction site safety tips will protect your workers and assets so you can complete every project on time and without incident. To learn more or place an order with Mustang Cat, contact us today.