Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows that the construction industry accounts for more than 1,000 deaths and nearly 400,000 injuries across the nation each year. Can you afford to slack off on your safety practices? It takes planning and dedication to identify the challenges and create awareness of hazards on a site. However, the best way to inspire your workers to stay safe and secure is to not make them do it, but make them want to do it.

Common hazards on a construction site include falls, scaffolding collapse, electric shock and failure to use proper safety equipment. Sometimes incidents just happen, but more often than not, they are avoidable. Creating strategies and preparing your workers for potential safety hazards will keep the job run smoothly.

8 Ways to Improve Work Site Safety:

• Hire bilingual workers

Make sure everyone can understand your instructions, no matter what native language they speak.

• Create a safety program

Provide additional training and create plans for using equipment. The more knowledge your workers have, the less likely an accident will occur.

• Celebrate safety milestones

Go a month without an injury and reward your employees with a catered lunch.

• Peer review

Encourage your workers to hold each other accountable for safety practices. Placing responsibility with them will empower them to think of safety first.

• Access to information

Always have diagrams, instructions and rules printed an available on-site. There can never be too much information when it comes to job-site safety.

• Daily safety meetings

Kick the day off with a football-like huddle that inspires and encourages your workers to stay up-to-date on safety measures.

• Create a communication plan

When an accident occurs, make sure there is a fluid and smooth communication plan that involves everyone to avoid escalation.

• Signs, signals and barricades

Post signs and warnings around hazardous areas. Use signals to remind employees that caution and protective gear is needed to reduce accidents on the site.

Know the laws. There are state and federal regulations in place to keep construction sites as accident-free as possible. Contractors have many responsibilities for ensuring safety. Knowing the rules can help you avoid on-the-job injuries and costly fines. OSHA (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration) dictates that:

• Employers are responsible for requiring protective gear around hazardous conditions.
• Employers are responsible for making sure all necessary inspections and certifications are valid before workers begin their jobs.
• Contract workers are not required to perform duties in conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to health and safety.
• Employers are responsible for ensuring fire prevention and safety equipment is readily available at the work site.
• Employers are required to provide first aid and medical attention for employees.

Safety is a top concern on every construction site. When deadlines are approaching or workers get comfortable, sometimes they let safety practices take the back burner. Encouraging them to stay on their game will not only keep them safe, but it will increase productivity and help get the job done right and on time. That’s why CCS Construction Staffing emphasizes placing experienced, trained tradesmen on your site. We know that safety is your top concern; that’s why it is also one of ours. Worry less; contact us today to find skilled, safety-first laborers that fit your needs.