Every job comes with some sort of risk and taking the necessary health and safety measures to protect workers is essential, no matter what the industry. However, safety becomes especially important on construction sites, where workers are using heavy machinery and may be required to handle harmful substances.
The number of accidents and injuries on construction sites is much higher than in any other workplace. It’s not just the potential dangers of heavy machinery to consider on a construction site. There is also a significant risk of injuries caused by falls, slips, and falling objects.
Construction safety isn’t just important for accident prevention. There are many reasons why safety should be taken seriously in the construction industry. Below, we have listed the reasons why health and safety are so important on any construction site.
Reduced Accidents and Injuries
Moving arms on machinery, falling objects, and structural collapse are serious safety hazards that can lead to the injury or even death of several people. Sadly, thousands of construction workers suffer from long-term debilitating injuries or fatalities through preventable accidents every year.
Implementing detailed health and safety policies and providing regular training for all staff is imperative to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on site. It lowers the risk of serious accidents and keeps construction workers as safe and healthy as possible.
Construction managers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and hands-on training to ensure all staff is up-to-date with the latest health and safety protocols.
Avoid Legal Consequences
Any construction site manager or project manager must take safety very seriously. By law, construction companies must have a set of health and safety policies that protect every employee from harm.
Construction sites are regularly inspected by third-party governing bodies to ensure they are following all of the necessary health and safety protocols. They must comply with national and local regulations, otherwise, they might face legal consequences.
Failure to implement the right health and safety procedures or provide the necessary training for construction workers could even lead to the closure of the business. Even if the business stays open, having a poor health and safety rating might impact brand reputation and client acquisition.
Protection of Passers-By
Construction sites that are located near high streets, busy roads, or industrial sites pose a safety risk to the public.
Effective health and safety precautions don’t just protect construction workers. They also protect those who are walking, cycling, or driving past the construction site. Every site should have protective structural components that prevent large pieces of machinery or objects from falling onto the sidewalk or road.
Warning signs should also be placed around the site to inform passers-by of the potential dangers. Noise and air pollution should be kept to a minimum using advanced technologies that minimize sound transmission and dirt or dust production.