Due to the amount of manual labour necessary in construction work, there are obvious risks involved. Not only this, the use of large machinery and heavy-duty equipment in the construction vastly increases the chances of something going wrong. Sadly, the HSE reported that 40 construction workers died and 81,000 others suffered work-related illnesses in 2019/20. Due to this, the construction industry has had to account for everyone’s on-site safety by putting safety measures in place which will ultimately protect staff from fatal and long-term injuries.
To safeguard construction companies and employees, construction insurance will not only protect assets but help to manage risk and reduce the chance of injuries and accidents occurring. So, here are some of the ways you can help ensure your employees’ safety in your construction company.
Wear protective clothing
“PPE” has been in the public’s vocabulary since the pandemic began last March. However, personal protective equipment is not just for the NHS. Ensuring your employees wear the correct personal protective equipment could make the difference between a small injury and a life-threatening one.
Correct PPE is relative to the work your employee is carrying out. As such, deciding the right PPE for a specific job is essential for providing complete protection. The type of PPE you might need are helmets, ear protection, hi-vis jackets, safety goggles and any other site-specific clothing. If anything happens to the clothing, make sure you replace it immediately as, once damaged, it won’t work as effectively.
Health and safety training
Health and safety training is not only essential for your wellbeing but also the wellbeing of others. Everyone on–site must know the procedures carried out in the event of an accident. The more people trained, the more hazards will be spotted before an accident occurs,making your site safer.
Equipment training
Before anyone can work with the tools on–site, they must know how to use them correctly and safely. Being trained and familiar with the equipment on–site will ensure the work is done properly and everyone is safe around the potentially dangerous equipment.
Listen to your employees
You might not be on-site every day, but your employees will be. To keep up to date with things on–site, you must create an environment where your employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns. By encouraging your employees to talk and tell you about any safety breaches on-site, you ensure that health and safety standards are met and your site can continue to run smoothly.
