The construction industry, despite its lucrative returns, presents significant risks to all the parties involved. Workers face the risk of suffering injuries, some of which may be fatal. Undertaking risk assessment procedures ahead of the project’s commencement allows for the identification of potential risks and the formulation of suitable prevention measures to limit or prevent their occurrence. All project stakeholders have a responsibility of promoting safety in a construction site.
Dealing with construction site injuries
Accidents are common in many construction sites. Upon the injury, victims qualify for compensation. Among the worst cases are traumatic brain injuries, which may result in a permanent disability. In such events, the victims’ families may hire lawyers that handle traumatic brain injury cases to represent them. Regulatory authorities stipulate that when a worker is injured within the workplace, compensation is due to the worker whatever the cause of injury.
Investors may need to shoulder possible financial implications, especially if they had not placed such workers under group financial covers. The damages should cover the settlement of medical bills, as well as compensation for workdays lost following incapacitation. Therefore, project sponsors are expected to include group insurance premiums when preparing budget estimates for the proposed construction projects.
Considering how precarious construction sites are and the severity of potential injuries, it becomes imperative that investors should focus on reducing the occurrence of accidents in their sites. In addition to being a moral obligation, the benefits of such practices surpass the underlying financial commitment in the end.
Maintaining clean premises
A construction project must be well organized. Tools and other pieces of equipment should be stored safely at the end of the day. Similarly, only the necessary tools and materials to be used in a given day may be released from the inventory to avoid the clustering materials and tools, which pose a safety threat to all the people in the construction site.
All pathways should be clear to facilitate the ease of movement and enable workers to identify possible safety hazards. Designating different sections of the site for specific tasks prevents unnecessary spillage that could cause slips.
Falling objects
Wearing appropriate safety gear such as helmets reduces the chances of injuries, especially from falling objects that can cause head injuries. However, providing safety gear without training the workers on the importance of safety clothing is ineffective. Educating the workers on health and safety and the importance of safety clothing goes a long way in empowering the entire team. It creates a culture of collective responsibility and responsiveness to health and safety; therefore, reducing potential risks of injuries.
Workers should be encouraged to appreciate the importance of wearing safety clothing as opposed to forcing it on them. By making safety a team effort, it becomes possible to implement a proactive approach to risk mitigation.
Increased employee morale, reduced worker turnover, and an improved public reputation earn project managers a competitive edge. It boosts the image of a company and attracts potential clients. Otherwise, the frequent occurrence of accidents may tarnish the reputation of all the involved parties.
