Worker Protection at Construction Sites
The nation is currently experiencing growth in the construction sector due to government projects, private sector projects and residential projects by individuals. Resultantly, many new medium sized construction companies have been formed to meet this growth.
Based on our experience advising clients in this sector, we give the following common areas where worker injuries occur and tips to minimise them:
Uneven surfaces, unstable grounds, and building sites at varying levels of completion are some of the main construction site hazards that cause these kinds of accidents.
How to minimize worker injury:
Ensure that all relevant safety equipment such as ladders, fall protection systems, guardrails are up to standard. Employees should be trained in working on different pieces of equipment and surfaces, e.g. scaffolding, ladders, and roofs. Working at height must be properly planned and supervised, and the use of safety nets should be encouraged.
Experts say falling and moving objects account for over 90% of nonfatal injuries to workers at construction sites.
Injuries of this nature can be minimised by:
HAVS is a preventable debilitating disease of the blood vessels, nerves, and joints. It is usually caused by the prolonged use of hand-held power tools, including vibratory power tools and ground working equipment.
Workers should be encouraged to use devices such as jigs and suspension systems to reduce the need to grip heavy tools tightly. Also, limit the time that your employees are exposed to vibration and equipment should be well maintained.
Where duties involve manual handling, adequate training must be provided to workers to avoid musculoskeletal disorders, back injuries or similar long term ailments.
Noise pollution is part and parcel of working on a construction site but workers need the relevant PPE and time limits in noisy areas or with noisy equipment to avoid long term injury.
Electricity related injuries often occur by touching live parts directly or indirectly by a conducting object or material. Set-up workplace safety guidelines specfic to electrical work hazards to protect workers. Have designated and qualified electrical champions to deal with electrical queries by other workers.
Construction sites can at times expose workers to harmful materials like as asbestos, dust particles from brick, cement and plaster among others. Employees should use the appropriate PPE and those directly handling hazardous material should be trained to appropriately handling it.
