Construction can be risky work, and the men and women who work in this field may face a higher chance of an accident. Because of this, employers should strive to make worksites as safe as reasonably possible. Increasing safety and prioritizing certain measures can reduce the chance of accidents and make it less likely a worker will suffer a serious or disabling injury.
Certain safety practices can help construction site managers accomplish this. When planning projects, safety is often one of the most overlooked elements, but it should be one of the first things considered. Simply shifting priorities and making safety a main concern can go a long way toward making sites safer and more productive. In the event an accident does happen, workers should know what steps they need to take to get the help and support they need.
Helpful safety measures
Most construction accidents happen because of preventable reasons. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has certain regulations that must be met, employers may also want to consider the following in order to make their worksites safer, reduce accidents, lower costs and make things better for employees:
- Safety training – Every worker should know how to do his or her job as safely as possible. This means knowing how to use all of the tools, but it also means that they should know how to reduce risk and properly use safety equipment.
- Safety awareness – Construction site workers should be aware of the risks involved with certain tasks and how they can stay safe. When they are aware of the hazards, they will be better equipped to avoid mistakes that could lead to injury,
- Safety communication – Employers should clearly communicate with all workers about their assignments, safety requirements and more. Regular communication regarding precautions and expectations can reduce on-site accidents.
- Safety equipment – There are certain types of equipment that can help workers with certain job requirements to stay safe. For example, individuals working from heights should have access to harnesses and other equipment to prevent falls.
Even with all necessary measures in place, accidents on construction sites still happen. New York workers who suffer injuries on the job will find it beneficial to seek financial support through a workers’ compensation claim. It is not always easy to navigate the claims process, but there are benefits to working with an experienced attorney from the beginning.