1. Fall Protection
Duty to have fall protection is the most cited standard in the construction industry and is one of the leading causes of worker deaths in construction. Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, accounting for nearly 40% of all worker deaths.
Familiarize yourselves with all potential fall hazards on a job site. Never work in an area where fall protection systems have yet to be installed.
2. Scaffolds
Approximately 65% of all construction workers perform work on scaffolds. Employees performing work on and around scaffolding are exposed to falls and falling object hazards.
Safety helmets and sturdy, non-skid work boots should be worn when working on, under or around a scaffold. Never work on scaffolding covered in ice, snow, water or mud. Also make sure you never exceed the maximum load when working on scaffolds or leave tools, equipment or materials on the scaffold at the end of a shift.
3. Stairways and ladders
Improper ladder use is one of the leading causes of falls for constructions workers resulting in injury or death. Reasons for ladder falls include incorrect ladder choice, failure to properly secure the ladder and attempting to carry tools and materials by hand while climbing. Always maintain three points of contact while ascending/descending a ladder: two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. Secure ladders at the top and bottom to avoid sliding or falling.
4. Personal Protective Equipment
Wear minimum PPE: safety helmet, safety shoes, gloves, glasses. Safety helmets are common at all construction sites. They protect workers of a number of hazards such as falling and flying objects, electrical shock and other impacts.
Also wear face and eye protection when there are eye or face hazards present from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gasses or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. These hazards are present when doing a variety of task on the job site such as welding, chipping, grinding, masonry work, sanding, woodworking and drilling. When flying object hazards are present, eye protection must be equipped with side protection or be fitted with detachable side protectors.
5. First aid kit
Know where the First Aid Kit Is. Accidents can happen at any time, typically when you least expect them to. Time is of the essence when dealing with injuries, especially cuts. Because of this, you need to know exactly where the first aid kit is kept and be familiar with the first aid measures.
Be vigilent at all times. Remember, your safety always comes first!