How can a construction company take care of the health of workers?

Construction companies are the most affected by accidents on construction sites. It leads to a massive loss of productivity and revenue, in addition to other dangers like prosecution and bad press. According to the HSE report, 1.7 million working days and over a billion pounds are lost each year due to on-site injuries and illnesses. So, the trillion question is: how can a construction company take care of the health of its workers?

Here is the answer:

1) Employ only CSCS card holders:

First of all, make sure that each merchant has a valid CSCS card. When each and every merchant knows how to keep others safe and healthy, half of your worries are solved.

2) Ensure the use of protective equipment:

Make sure all workers have and use the appropriate protective equipment. Hard hats protect against head injuries, insulated, non-slip boots are vital to avoid the greatest threat of falls and electrocution, goggles deal with harmful dust and fumes, gloves prevent potential damage from electricity and chemicals toxic, while the body harness and safety net are a must for those who work at height. Carry out routine checks on the gears and replace any that are faulty or do not fit well. In this way, you can reduce injuries caused by faulty tools and equipment failure.

3) Excavation sites and safe trenches:

Cave-ins and cave-ins are big safety risks at excavation and trench sites. Put supports and guards in place and provide an exit for workers in case someone falls. Fence all those sites, mark them as dangerous if necessary, to keep random people out.

4) Make scaffolding safer to work on:

Make sure scaffolding is erected, moved and dismantled by competent tradesmen. Having safety nets, railings, and skirting around scaffolding are lifesavers. Strictly ensure that all workers wear a body harness. Designate a competent person/team to monitor and repair in case of damage: the structure before work starts each day.

5) Train workers to minimize chemical hazards:

Train workers on how to correctly handle chemicals and identify associated risks. Every worker should know what to do in the event of a chemical spill or other emergency, including who to alert and what to do in the meantime to contain the damage. Make “Spill Cleanup Kits” available and accessible to everyone. Post a clear warning sign about toxic chemicals to prevent accidental damage. Designate a qualified person/team for maintenance and daily safety check.

All workers have the right to work in environments where the risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Under health and safety law, the primary responsibility for this lies with employers. Employers have a duty to consult with their employees, or their representatives, on health and safety matters. So if it’s not for security, follow these steps to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.

A safer construction site improves company productivity, revenue and branding and having a 100% safety trained workforce helps a lot in this quest.

Have a safe, healthy and productive year!