Over a period of time, it has been observed that more than 80 percent of deaths at construction sites happen due to negligence in following appropriate safety measures. Large construction firms follow strict safety rules in order to maintain a good reputation in the market because construction site hazards not only lead to unnatural deaths of workers and employees, but they also cause heavy financial losses in terms of equipment and material wastage. Likewise, local contractors and small builders are also affected, both financially and socially, due to improper safety measures. To avoid such circumstances; and to evade needless financial crunch, follow these safety tips:
1.) CHECK CRANE OPERATIONS
Cranes are the biggest source of injuries and hazards at construction sites. You must ensure the following points before commencing the designated work:
a.) Ground surface shall be levelled where jack floats are to be stationed. Keep heavy wooden logs over the levelled ground surface to ensure stability to a crane.
b.) Counterweight and boom angle shall meet the specifications mentioned in the regional codes. Usually, American national standard institute (ANSI) safety code for cranes, hoists, jacks and slings, B30.6 -1969, is followed to calculate the counterweight and boom angle. For every load, a specific boom angle shall be maintained. Exceeding the angle can overturn the crane, which may lead to heavy loss of property and manpower.
c.) A helper shall be stationed at the working location to guide the operator efficiently. In absence of a well-trained helper, the operator might not be able to get a clear view of the working zone. Sometimes, material is to be shifted to a considerable height with crane stationed at the ground level. In that case, a helper should guide the operator from the location where material is to be shifted. Helper should be trained in transmitting messages with the help of actions and gestures.
d.) Sling and hook shall be regularly checked for any signs of rupture. Likewise, material shall be tied with the sling in a proper manner as described in the user manual. Failing to comply with the general rules may lead to mid-air breakdown of sling, which can lead to the death of person working below it.
2.) SECURE WORK PLATFORMS
Elevated work platforms are usually of 3 types – fixed, adjustable, and automatic. In all the 3 types, secure fastening and railing are the most essential aspect of avoiding any hazard. Commonly, workers slip or fall from the elevated platform. This leads to severe injuries; and in some unfortunate cases, it also leads to death.
Workers play an essential part in achieving the project specific goals as much as employers and managers do. Timely delivery of projects along with reduced overhead costs is a result of efficient worker participation. And this is the main reason why it has become important to conduct on-site training programs for workers. At the same time, safety of workers on an elevated platform can be ensured by the following tips:
a.) Elevated work platforms shall be provided with guard rails to prevent falling or tripping of workers. Usually, guard rails are made up of strong MS bars. But, safety nets or wooden logs can also do the job.
b.) Planks of appropriate width and length shall be provided on the scaffolding in case 2 to 4 workers are required to carry out the job from a single point. The width of factory made planks cannot be increased. And in that case, 2 to 3 planks shall be adjoined with a help of ties to raise their width.
c.) Aerial work platforms shall be used with extreme caution in areas with overhead power lines. The metallic nature of platforms can lead to electrocution without even giving a hint to the worker or engineer. Therefore, raising the height of work platform shall be given due consideration.
SOME MORE SAFETY TIPS:
3.) Ensure every person on the construction site wears a safety helmet. It protects them from head injuries due to falling objects such as shovels, nuts, bolts etc.
4.) Wear ear plugs in place of high noise. Usually, concrete breakers create noise beyond the normal decibel level.
5.) While welding, protect eyes by wearing protective glasses of a large size.
6.) Stick safety banners and instruction hoardings in and around the construction site for a secure public access.
7.) Keep fire extinguishers handy. Teach every worker and engineer about the different types of extinguishers such as dry extinguisher for fire due to electric sparks.
8.) Fence the area where excavation is carried out. Sometimes, earth caves in due to loose strutting and improper strata.
Follow the link for additional safety tips for workers and employees: http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/os/D/ConstrutionSite.pdf