Site Safety – Part 1
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As any contractor knows, a construction site can be a constantly changing environment. Different companies perform different jobs simultaneously, and employees from these companies often cross paths. Although they are working toward a common goal, the companies may have differing views on site safety. Some may overlook site safety altogether, assuming it is the general contractor’s responsibility.
That is an unwise assumption. To ensure their employees are safe at work, contractors need to be responsible for their own employees while on or near a construction site.
The following are just a few tips to minimize jobsite hazards.
#1 Internal and Perimeter Barricades:
Place barricades inside the construction site to keep workers from entering hazardous areas, and around the site to prevent unauthorized persons from intentionally or unintentionally entering the work site.
#2 Tools:
Keep call tools well maintained.
#3 Walkways:
Be sure walkways are clearly marked and roped off to allow for safe entering and exiting.
#4 Housekeeping:
Employees should be expected to clean up debris and move it to a designated disposal site. Litter contributes to fire, tripping, falling, and other accidents and injuries.
#5 Excavations:
These need special attention. Before digging, check with proper authorities to be sure there are no buried utilities or cables. During the excavation, know and practice safe excavation methods, including shoring up walls to prevent collapse.
#6 Above-Ground Work:
Ladders and scaffolds should be the correct design for the job at hand, and regularly inspected for damage and weakness, which could cause falls or collapse.
By anticipating unsafe working conditions and acting to keep them from becoming a risk, great progress can be made toward overall worker safety.
Safe@Work is brought to you by Federated Insurance. This is for general information and risk prevention purposes only. The recommendations herein may help reduce the risk of loss but are not a guarantee of the elimination of any risk of loss. It is not provided as a substitute for any regulatory standards that may apply. The information is accurate as of publication and is subject to change. The contents of this presentation should not be considered legal or expert advice. Qualified counsel should be sought regarding questions specific to your circumstances.
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