Whenever a routine emerges, people often become complacent. Some even become reckless, thinking that the pattern that has emerged from a routine event helps them predict what will happen next.
It is the same thing in construction sites. Some people who have been in construction work for several years take safety precautions for granted. All because they think that they already know everything that is happening in a site like that.
Having this mindset is dangerous, and any construction accident attorney will advise workers always to be mindful of their surroundings. To remind you what the common hazards are on a construction site, here are some of the things you should look out for.
Moving objects
In a construction site, there are many objects moving around. There are machines lifting equipment to higher levels, people digging the earth, and workers lugging pipes across uneven terrain. It is easy to encounter an accident if you are not focused on what is happening to your surroundings.
You should always wear proper construction site gear, such as hard hats, high-visibility jackets, work boots and gloves to protect yourself. You should also keep an eye out on all directions because you cannot always be sure that no objects are headed towards you from the sides or behind.
Slippery terrain
Uneven surfaces are common in construction sites, so be prepared for this kind of terrain. Be careful when you are walking around and wear your work boots for better traction.
Also, uneven or slippery terrain can be fixed by placing planks over them for people to walk on. If there are certain areas of the site where it is impossible or dangerous to walk across, then place a sign to ward off people from going there. Abide by the safety protocols and stay away from areas where you do not need to be in.
Cables should be running across the site at high levels to avoid tripping over them. Other obstacles like tools and pipes that haven’t been installed yet, as well as other metal items, should be stored properly and not lying around to avoid tripping over them, too.
Working in high places
Chances are you will be required to work at high levels when you are in a construction site. This is much more dangerous, so it is important to know and abide by the safety guidelines in your site if you are going to work at a higher platform.
Also, the construction site should have safety nets to prevent workers from falling to the ground. Scaffolds should have double guardrails to prevent falling, too. Lastly, if you could assemble something on the ground, do it there and not on a higher level to avoid accidents.
Construction sites are dangerous places to work in. Here, work-related accidents and injuries happen almost every day. But as long as you are always alert and mindful of what’s going on around you, you can effectively reduce the risk of accidents and keep yourself and your co-workers safe.
