Construction sites are dangerous places. There are naked wires, deep holes, high-rise structures, and copious chemicals. Despite how hazardous these spaces are, construction workers have to do their job.
However, it doesn’t take long for fatal accidents to happen. These accidents are easily avoidable if the managing companies prioritize safety. Identifying these hazards and taking remedial measures can ensure the work continues with no tragedies. Here’s how workers can do this:
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- Vertical Heights With No Safety
Construction workers have to work at different heights while building. Some of these heights involve them getting on top of incomplete structures, making them vulnerable. One wrong move, and they may plunge to death. Sometimes these structures can get slippery if chemicals fall on them.
So it would help if construction workers established a safety protocol as they climb these high structures. They should use a grapple system to ensure they’re attached to the frame while working on them. There should also be safety nets at the bottom in case a worker falls they get caught in it.
- Chemicals and Airborne Fibers Inhaled Freely
Construction workers get exposed to different chemicals and products. Some of these may contain asbestos, and inhaling copious amounts of these fibers, may cause mesothelioma. If they get regular checkups, they can learn about their lungs and a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis and seek immediate help. The longer workers delay their condition; they may end up with cancer that is too widespread to treat.
This allows construction workers to stay healthy and not pass away prematurely from an unacknowledged illness. It also helps workers learn if they get exposed to other chemicals flowing in their blood, such as lead.
- Lack Of Lighting
Workers need appropriate lighting since they work long hours and even late at night. A construction site has many hazards, including maintenance holes, deep holes, and sharp objects. A worker may also miscalculate their step and fall if they’re not careful. In such cases, there must be sufficient lighting so that workers can see what they’re doing.
It also helps them avoid sharp objects and machines that can injure them dangerously. Floodlights are excellent tools in such sites, while torches attached to the headgear help workers to see more clearly.
- Lack Of Protective Gear
Construction workers are working with dangerous tools and chemicals while making a building. It is not uncommon to drop an item while working, which can fall on someone’s head. At the same time, workers also engage with hazardous chemicals that can burn their skin or cause severe injuries if they topple it over.
Construction workers need protective equipment. Safety goggles and hard heads go on them by default. But if they handle chemicals, they should wear rubber gloves and pour chemicals in safe containers. While working with tools, they should ensure enough friction to prevent slipping. Workers should also have a protocol to heat up before starting their tasks. This prevents them from injuring or possibly passing away from a work injury.
- Excessive Noise Pollution
Power tools and machines can make loud noises. Exposure to high noise levels every day can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and sleep disturbances. Eventually, the issue escalates into balance issues and cardiovascular disorders.
If a worker cannot walk straight, their chances of slipping and falling are very high. Having a cardiovascular disease can lead to unprecedented heart attacks. So to help workers, they should get ear muffs and protective gear that can lower noise pollution. When workers operate on heavy machines, they should wear protective ear muffs to block the sounds.
- Lifting Heavy Objects With No Help
Construction workers need to move products and materials while they do their job. Some of these are extremely heavy and can throw out their back if they try lifting them. Overexertion when handling heavy objects is dangerous. It causes a hernia, muscular disorders and even damages the worker’s bones. In extreme cases, they may drop the things on top of themselves and even risk a ligament tear.
There are machines designed to help workers lift and work with heaving objects. These machines allow a certain weight at a time which ensures worker safety. So instead of raising and hurting themselves, workers can use equipment to move their necessary material and safely work with them.
- Exposure To High Temperature
Some projects take place over the summer when the heat is unbearable. In such cases, workers can get a heat stroke, fainting spells, and even nose bleeds. These workers must have a schedule that gives them breaks between sessions so that their skin doesn’t burn from the heat.
During these breaks, they should apply ice packs and drink water to keep the temperature under control. They should also wear gear suitable to withstand heat and give them necessary protection. UV radiation can lead to skin cancers, and with workers exposed, they are at high risk.
Wrap Up
Construction work is essential, but so is worker safety. These professionals are working in hazardous conditions with no regard for their lives. While working on high structures, there needs to be a grapple system and safety net to break their fall. Workers should get tested and checked for exposure.
They need to have sufficient lighting and protective gear to block out pollution. When it comes to lifting objects, they should rely on machines. Finally, when handling projects during the summer, they should have summer wear and take regular breaks to avoid dehydration. While these measures may seem small, they can save the lives of these workers.
