“There were 5,486 fatal work injuries in 2022 (3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers),” says the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. At Kilgore Companies, safety is paramount. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and understand the importance of safety measures on every construction site. In this comprehensive guide, we will look at ten essential safety measures that every construction site and construction jobs should have and use to ensure the safety of workers and the success of the project.
1. Comprehensive Safety Training
We believe that comprehensive safety training is needed for a safe construction site. Our training programs cover a wide range of topics, including hazard recognition, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency procedures, and safe handling of equipment and materials. We make sure that all workers receive thorough training before starting work on the site. On top of this, we conduct regular refresher courses to keep our workforce updated on the latest safety protocols and best practices.
2. Adequate PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed to protect workers from various hazards present on a construction site. At Kilgore Companies, we provide our employees with high-quality PPE, including hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and steel-toed boots. We push the importance of wearing PPE correctly and consistently while on-site to help limit the risk of injuries.
3. Regular Safety Inspections
Regular safety inspections are critical for identifying and dealing with potential hazards on construction sites. Our trained safety personnel conduct thorough inspections to make sure that the equipment is in good working condition, proper signage is in place, scaffolding and ladders are stable and secure, and safety protocols are being followed. By identifying and limiting safety risks, we create a safer working environment for our employees.
4. Hazardous Material Handling
Many construction projects involve the use of hazardous materials such as chemicals, asbestos, and lead. Proper handling, storage, and disposal of these materials are a huge part of preventing accidents and protecting workers’ health. At Kilgore Companies, we follow regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials. Our employees receive training on safe handling practices, and we implement procedures for storage and disposal to minimize risks.
5. Fall Protection
“In 2022, 865 workers died in falls, and hundreds of thousands were injured badly enough to require days off of work,” says NCS. Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities at construction jobs. To limit this risk, we focus on fall protection measures on all our sites. This includes the installation of guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. Workers who are working at heights receive training on fall prevention techniques and the proper use of fall protection equipment. We also conduct inspections of fall protection systems to ensure they are functioning correctly.
6. Fire Safety
Fire safety is very important on construction sites. We have fire safety protocols in place, including the availability of fire extinguishers at strategic locations throughout the site. Our employees are trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers and other fire suppression equipment. Also, we have well-defined emergency evacuation plans and conduct regular fire drills to ensure that everyone knows how to respond in case of a fire emergency.
7. Equipment Maintenance
Proper maintenance of construction equipment is a must to ensure safety and help prevent accidents. We have a maintenance schedule for equipment, including machinery, vehicles, and tools. Regular inspections and servicing help identify and deal with any potential issues before they turn into safety hazards. Our trained maintenance personnel make sure that all equipment is in prime condition for use.
8. Electrical Safety
Electrical hazards are a constant thing on construction sites and can pose risks to workers. We focus on electrical safety by having protocols for the installation and use of electrical equipment. This includes proper grounding of equipment, the use of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and making sure that only those who are qualified handle electrical work. Our employees receive training on safe electrical practices to limit the risk of electrical accidents.
9. Emergency Response Plans
In the event of emergencies such as accidents, injuries, or natural disasters, having an emergency response plan is a must. At Kilgore Companies, we have emergency response plans in place for each construction site. These plans show procedures for reporting incidents, providing first aid, evacuating the site if necessary, and contacting emergency services. Regular drills and training sessions ensure that our employees are prepared to respond in case of an emergency.
10. Regular Safety Meetings
Effective communication is needed when it comes to maintaining a safe work environment. We have regular safety meetings where employees can discuss safety concerns, share best practices, and receive updates on safety policies and procedures. These meetings help create a culture of safety and keep safety awareness high among our team members. On top of this, employees are encouraged to report any safety hazards or concerns they encounter during their work, allowing us to address issues promptly and early on.
At Kilgore Companies, safety is not just a priority; it is a core value that guides everything we do. By putting into use these ten safety measures, we make sure that our construction sites are safe and compliant with regulations. Our commitment to safety not only protects our employees but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of our projects. Construction jobs can be demanding, but with proper safety measures in place, we can create a safer and more productive work environment for everyone involved.