Construction sites are hazardous places. If you are a foreman, a superintendent or a construction worker, you are at risk of getting hurt every time that your report to a new construction site. While there are still construction related deaths and injuries, the numbers reported have gone down significantly in the recent years. While it is the company’s responsibility to make a reasonable effort to keep their workers and the public safe, you must also pay attention to your own safety when you are onsite or even passing by. Here are three hazards you should always look for and learn to avoid when you are on the job.
Electrical Hazards
Trying to manage a construction site without electricity is virtually impossible. The drills, the jigsaws, even the jackhammers, are powered by electricity in most cases. If you are working and you notice that there are loose power sockets or frayed wires, stay away and advise whoever is responsible for safety on the site. When there are electrical problems the worst thing you could do is try to tamper with the damaged component yourself. Remember that your job is to hang drywall or install ceiling tiles, it is not to be an electrician.
Chemical Hazards
Spotting a chemical hazard may be a bit more difficult than spotting an electrical one. It might be hard to spot chemicals from a distance, but as soon as you get close to them you can smell the chemicals. This should be a red flag to proceed with caution. When you are dealing with anything from asbestos to lead paint, remember your training and avoid contact with the hazards until you have the right safety gear and you are trained to do so.
Deafening Noise
Late in life, individuals who work in very loud environments tend to having hearing problems early in their retirement. While you cannot necessarily avoid noise on the job, you can avoid hearing loss in the future if you wear protective ear buds or even ear guards. If the company does not provide this safety gear, be sure to invest in them so that you can prevent an uncomfortable and frustrating disability in the future.
It is easy to get busy and overlook hazards on the construction site. If you focus on paying attention to the hazard, you can avoid painful accidents, stressful worker’s compensation claims, and a long recovery process and return home safe to your wife and kids every day.
Author Bio: Lyndsi Decker is a freelance writer and at the moment she is promoting a general contractor in north Dakota as well as general contractors in Idaho. When not writing she enjoys exploring the outdoors.
Recent Comments