Risk management in construction is a necessary aspect of the entire process. It ensures the safety of workers and equipment alike. Construction projects come with a lot of safety risks during implementation and even during the planning period. Even after a house has been built, any defects such as poor wiring or loose foundations can spill disaster for the new homeowners.
As a result, identifying and avoiding specific dangers from the start is crucial. Certain construction safety checklists are required for a smooth and safe building and construction process to achieve the goal of risk management in construction, whether before or after construction has begun.
What Is A Construction Safety Checklist?
Construction safety checklists are tools used by on-site supervisors, forepersons, and contractors to keep a close watch on whether a construction site is adhering to the appropriate safety norms and regulations that have been implemented.
online pharmacy purchase clomid online best drugstore for you
Such proactive checks are necessary to maintain worker safety and protect them from any on-site dangers.
Why Do You Need Checklists?
According to reports, more than 20% of all fatalities in the workplace occur on construction sites. Most on-site accidents and fatalities occur due to the following three risks and damages:-
- Falls are among the most common on-site fatalities; they equal more than 300 construction worker deaths per year.
- Ladders- more than 30% of all construction site deaths are caused by falls from ladders.
- Scaffolding- they are necessary structures required in the construction process. However, poorly built high scaffolds can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Other hazards include being struck by an object, electrocuting, collapsing structures or equipment etc.
online pharmacy purchase lipitor online best drugstore for you
The above said reasons are why the implementation of safety and inspection checklists is imperative for risk management in construction. The implementation of certain safety standards and measures aids in managing and avoiding the health and safety concerns that construction workers encounter.
Actively conducting safety checks and inspections with the help of safety checklists designed to identify hazards can help control risks and ensure the safety of workers.
Occupational Health And Safety Acts And Regulations
There have been several initiatives to ensure the health and safety of workers in the workplace. For this goal, several health and safety acts and regulations have been implemented under which employers are required to:-
- Provide and maintain safety equipment, materials, and other tools.
- Ensure that both workers and supervisors are well-acquainted with workplace hazards and the necessary procedures to mitigate risks.
- Operate safely and protectively that it does not leave workers vulnerable to harmful exposure.
- Work together with a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) or a Health and Safety Representative for better solutions and precautions.
- Provide necessary safety training and supervision.
An Effective Safety Checklist
While some fatalities could be noted down as accidents, one cannot ignore the fact that many such hazards and risks could have been avoided with a carefully crafted construction safety checklist. A routine checklist can help site supervisors and forepersons identify and fix any problems or risks in advance. But before implementing a safety checklist, it is crucial that you first make sure it tackles the necessary areas such as:-
Personal Protective Equipment
Every construction worker and an on-site person must be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If the work involves being present at the construction site, then the necessary protective gear is required.
It is also essential that all PPEs are thoroughly inspected before being handed out. It involves checking:-
- Any cracks or dents in the hard hats
- Any eyewear protection having chips or scratches
- Signs of tears or stretching in safety harnesses
- Protective boots
- Any tears or scratches in gloves
Scaffolds And Ladders
As mentioned, fatal falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. These typically occur due to poorly built scaffolds and unsafe ladders.
Any surface with an elevation of more than 6 feet or more requires a safety net or should have some fall arrest systems installed.
online pharmacy purchase priligy online best drugstore for you
The roofs and scaffold walkways should also have protective coverings in case of any holes or surface openings.
Electrical Equipment
There is an urgent need to check for any electrocution or fire risks due to electrical sparks and loose wires or cords near water sources.
Supervisors and managers need to be adequately trained by the proper lockout or tag-out systems to prevent electrical hazards.
The lockout system and electrical equipment should be checked regularly to ensure its proper usage and functioning and to be able to identify any defects or flaws in advance.
This responsibility involves labeling electrical equipment and circuits and keeping specific equipment away from other materials such as water sources. This is to prevent any damage, fire, or electrocution risks.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Accurate and updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are necessary for risk management in construction. In addition, they provide essential information to workers and protective personnel on how to handle emergencies and responses.
An accurate Safety Data Sheet must include information on:-
- Product identification
- Physical and chemical properties of a product
- The necessary label elements and hazardous ingredients
- Information on reactivity and stability
- Storage and handling instructions
- Required First-Aid responses
- Extinguishing measures in case the product or its ingredient is flammable
- Information on its toxicity
- Information concerning environmental impact
- Information on transport
- Health and safety regulations, etc
All SDS forms should be made accessible and readily available to concerned personnel, along with all their updated information.
Signs Or Safety Signage
Signs and signage are used to warn workers and on-site persons of any risks and construction hazards such as:-
- Slippery or weak surfaces
- High Voltage
- Falling objects
- Requirement of any protective gear
- Areas with only authorized entry
- Flammable materials, etc
They need to be extremely visible to the naked eye, at least within the construction site. They should be more remarked in areas with loose footing or incomplete scaffold walkways. Violation could lead to serious injury or a hefty fee for breach of safety standards.
Endnote
Risk management in construction has assumed even greater importance regarding workers’ rights and safety requirements. It is the responsibility of the supervisor or contractor to ensure the safety of contracted workers for a smooth and efficient building and construction process.