Workers should understand that safety and health should always be paramount at any job site. A safe working environment is established when both workers and employers understand the need to communicate better safety standards.
Construction sites are even more dangerous. Employees should identify unsafe behaviors and learn to avoid them. Construction employers, on the other hand, need to ensure that they buy quality construction equipment from manufacturers like Dynatect.
Here are a few important points that can help you keep safe on your job site.
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Avoid Using a Phone at the Site
Cell phones are part of our lives in this modern age. It is no wonder that every time we wake up in the morning we check our phones first. Cell phones can be very distracting. That’s why there is a place and time to use a cell phone.
If you are a construction worker and you are using your phone, you are not paying attention to the task at hand.
Construction companies should ensure that mobile phones are banned from the job site. This can be done by providing lockers where workers can store personal belongings.
If you have the urge to use a phone at the job site, note the following tips.
- If you need to take a call, stop working immediately and find a safe place.
- Do not use hands-free earphones or headphones.
- Employers should be liable for prosecution if they make a call to a worker during work time.
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Protect Your Feet
An average person walks about 5000 steps in a day. Therefore when you are buying shoes it is not only about comfort, but protection should also be a factor in consideration.
As a construction worker, you should ensure that you pick the right shoes depending on the specific project. Some of the most common foot accidents occur when the food is caught in between objects or machinery. This can lead to crushed and amputated toes.
The following factors should be put into consideration when selecting the proper footwear.
- Look for puncture resistant boots
- The footwear should be oil resistant
- The footwear should provide steel or composite toes
A construction worker should always be familiar with their surroundings. Ensure there is good lighting to know where you are stepping.
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Drink a Lot of Water
Drinking water at the construction site is very essential. Heat-related deaths can occur especially during the summer. On hot days a construction worker should drink 4 cups of water every hour. Always ensure that drinking water is obtained from a reliable source. This is because it can easily be contaminated and cause illnesses.
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Run Cords Along the Building
Running power cords along the building is a good idea because it keeps them from being trampled on. Moreover, it prevents trips, slip-ups and falls by workers.
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Keep Safe from the Sun
Summer is an unpleasant season for most construction workers. As others are enjoying beach holidays, construction workers have to endure long hours in the sun. This can lead to skin cancer, sunburns and sun poisoning.
There are two types of UV rays that penetrate the earth’s atmosphere. They are UVB and UVA. Construction workers need to be cautious every time they are working outdoors.
Top Tips to Help Your Employees Avoid Sun Exposure
Construction workers may not be able to avoid working under the sun. However, that doesn’t mean that they need to be exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays all the time.
Some of the ways of preventing sun exposure include the following:
- Effective Clothing
Clothing is the best form of protection construction workers can use to protect themselves from the sun. However, not all types of clothing offer the same level of protection.
When choosing your clothing you should consider the material, color and weave. For instance, dark colored and long-sleeved clothes are actually best at keeping you comfortable and protecting you from the sun.
There are clothes which are specifically worn to prevent UV rays. A construction worker can also wear wide-brimmed hats to protect the ears and eyes.
- Sunscreen
As a construction worker, you should lather up and apply some sunscreen. Moreover, you should choose a sunscreen that is water resistant.
- Erect Shade
During the strongest hours of sun exposure, it is best for construction workers to avoid sunlight. They should at least have a tent or a shade where they can take a break and avoid the sun.
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Walk With Correct Posture
A job as a construction worker can be tiresome and bring a lot of pain. Maintaining good posture will ensure that the body is kept in shape.
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