Safety Standards for Construction Work

November 10 2017 0comment

Safety Standards for Construction Work

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Here at Safety Fabrications we’re in the business of fabricating access equipment for industry, especially the construction industry, and all of our products meet the required safety standards to offer the safest possible access solutions to our customers.  However, if the correct safety standards and procedures are not followed, construction equipment can present unnecessary risks to workers on site.  According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some of the most pressing dangers associated with construction equipment are as follows:

  • Falls – still the most common hazard faced by construction workers despite stringent health and safety legislation and a continuing reduction in the statistics.  Falling from scaffoldings, equipment and other high altitudes accounts for the majority of workplace injuries.
  • Ladders and Stairways – there’s always the risk of falling from access equipment of this type, so following the correct safety procedures is a must at all times to minimise the risks involved.
  • Scaffolding – again, a major cause of falls that result in death or life-changing injuries.  Whether the scaffolding is static or moveable, it is dangerous when not used in the correct manner.
  • Roofing Work – this is one of the most risky sectors of the construction industry.  Take all the necessary precautions and, if working on a flat roof, consider installing a rooftop demarcation barrier system to keep staff away from the edge of the roof. 
  • Electrical – electrical hazards are mainly related to power lines or equipment powered by electricity.  Explosions, fire and electrocution are the main hazards involved, so the appropriate safety measures are essential on construction sites where electricity is involved.  Electrical hazards are particularly dangerous as they can often start off a chain of negative events which result in injuries or even death.
  • Trenching and Excavation – these activities are particularly hazard prone with the possibility of cave-ins, collapsing walls, etc.  Not following the correct safety procedures when undertaking these activities can result in asphyxiation, electrocution, crush injuries, etc.
  • Heavy Construction Equipment – motor vehicle safety is essential on construction sites and road works, particularly when considering the types of heavy moving equipment involved.  Mistakes made when using this type of equipment can trigger a series of negative events which can have a devastating effect on both personnel and the worksite.

It’s absolutely vital that all safety procedures are followed closely and that anybody working with dangerous equipment or in risky conditions has been properly trained to do so.  Make sure that all construction and access equipment is in good working order before starting the day’s work each day.  Regular safety inspections should be carried out and a log kept for future reference.  Each time a piece of access equipment is moved to gain access in a different location, it will need to be inspected before use to ensure that it’s still safe to use. 

It’s also essential that all access equipment is properly installed by experts to ensure that it offers the highest level of safety to users.  Cutting corners when moving access equipment just isn’t an option – even though you may be very familiar with the equipment, don’t be tempted to neglect the correct safety checks.  Saving a few minutes in the day could lead to injury, loss of life and hefty fines for the site owner if any of the equipment is misused or used without being correctly installed or set up.

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