Basic Safety Checklist During Construction
† Tuesday, July 27th, 2010Construction sites are very probable places for accidents to takplace. Looking at the construction workers busy in a San Antonio scaffolding, clear why these sites are reffered pits of death. The workers there were engaged in San Antonio Insulation of a skyscraper. Apart from the fact that that these workers are prone to a fatal fall but many other things can also result in problems and casualities. A survey suggests that, most common causes of casualities and fatalities on constructions sites are due to by getting caught between objects, getting struck by an object, getting electric shock and falling. These accidents may not always cause deaths, but these near misses can cause impairments for life. There are several government and company policies concerning the workers safety but ultimately, everything depends on the small things that somehow are ignored due to of human carelessness. Keeping from such accidents is possible by not showing such carelessness on the first place. Here are some precautions that you should stick to ensure safety at work.
Avoiding falls: The initial major step to protect yourself from construction area hazards is to avoid falling. Numerous workers die every year by falling from a ladder or scaffold. Ensure that you get proper training to work in such areas. Before stepping on to a scaffold, ensure that they are properly checked for safety. You should be well aware of amount of weight that it can handle so, never load it more than that. Also try to avoid falls is to prevent sitting and walking on skylights.
Avoid intoxications: Toxic materials are very common things in construction. Most of the enamels used for bridges, tunnels and buildings have large amounts of lead. One way to avoid any severe damage is to get a frequent test for your blood lead level. Another harmful substance is the tar. When using hot tar, many harmful gases are formed. These gases can result allergies in the eyes, skin and lungs. The fumes could probably, lead to cancer. Make sure that you are using the required safety equipment as well. Dry stone contains silica, so extreme measure should be taken to prevent the dust of these stones to get into your lungs while cutting them.
Right Ergonomics: the tools and machineries used in construction must be suitable and comfortable for you to use. Everyone has different comfort criteria so no one else would be able to check that for you. Often even the most simplest tool such as screw driver can lead to a carpal tunnel syndrome. Take extra care when handling and lifting big things as it can result in serious back and spine problems.
No Shocking: It is a simple assumption that the main power should be kept off when working with electrical appliances. But stil,Yet,l this is one of the major causes of construction fatalities. Do ensure that the area, your hands and your clothes are not wet during your work. Watch out for exposed wires at any place and take care of them before you start anything else.