Welp MagazineAnyone who owns a construction business or works in the industry knows that it can be a dangerous one at times. Working in the industry carries numerous risks, and you could potentially injure yourself if you aren’t careful.
However, as long as you follow the proper steps, you can avoid any possible hazards on the jobsite. With that in mind, here are a few safety tips for workers in the construction industry.
Lift Items Properly To Avoid Throwing Out Your Back
A common source of injury for construction workers is pulling a muscle when lifting a heavy object. Without using the correct technique, you could drop a heavy item on your foot or put unnecessary strain on your body.
The best way to safely lift something heavy is to lower your body by bending your knees and not lifting with your back. Bending your back can put immense pressure on your shoulders, neck, and spine, leading to injury. Keep your body stable when holding an object that weighs a lot, so you don’t hurt any other parts of your body.
Realize the Importance of Ladder Safety
One of the most consistent sources of injury on a construction site results from improperly using a ladder. In addition, if the ladder falls off the van’s roof while traveling, it can result in a major accident on the road.
This is why checking to ensure that the ladder is secure to the roof before driving is one of the most critical health and safety tips for commercial van drivers. Keeping the ladder stable is essential for maintaining safety, so ask someone to hold the ladder the next time you work on one.
Check the Weather Before Heading To the Jobsite
If you see grey clouds in the sky, make sure that weather conditions will be safe enough for work before heading out. When precipitation falls, it makes the ground slippery, leading to an inevitable injury.
Decide whether it’s safe enough to work due to the weather conditions, and take the day off if it doesn’t feel safe. Preventing an injury will boost productivity in the long run, so working in the rain or snow isn’t worth the risk.
Utilize the Most Effective Safety Equipment
Wearing a hard hat, goggles, and neon vest for visibility are three components to ensuring safety on a construction site. Also, if you’re working on an uneven surface, wear construction boots that are strong enough to withstand punishing terrain and heavy equipment falling on them. When choosing a steel toed boot it is also important to consider how the boot will support your feet and protect it from becoming overworked. The most comfortable workboots will support and cushion your feet with an orthotic arch support. Finally, cold weather can be dangerous if you expose yourself to the elements for too long, so wear warm clothes and gloves in the event of low temperatures.
Overall, you should use your best judgment while you are on the job. Now that you know safety tips for workers in the construction industry, you can make more effective decisions.
