Health and safety in the workplace is one of the most important considerations in every job, but even more so when you’re surrounded by building materials, cranes, trenches and scaffolding. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in the UK, so proper safety precautions must be implemented, and here’s why.

Why Should You Take Safety Precautions on Construction Sites?

Construction safety is incredibly important on every site. Before you even step foot on the site, you should make sure you’re well equipped for the environment, both physically and mentally. Safety precautions ensure everyone who enters the site, leaves unharmed and in the same condition they arrived. Taking the proper safety measures could be the difference between life and death, so make sure you read on to brush up on the safety precautions necessary for your site.

Always Wear PPE

When you’re on-site, you should always make sure you have the personal protective equipment (PPE) you need. It includes all equipment and clothing used to protect employees from health and safety risks that they may encounter whilst working in construction.

PPE is your last line of defence should you come into contact with a hazard on site. Wearing Hi-Viz clothing makes sure you’re seen, steel toe cap boots give you grip and protect your feet, and hard hats protect your skull from falling materials and equipment.

If you don’t wear it, it can’t protect you. Make sure you wear your boots, Hi-Viz and hard hats as a minimum along with any additional PPE that’s required for the tasks being carried out.

Keep a Tidy Site

Construction work can get very messy very quickly which can cause hazards whilst working. It may not be the first thought to tidy up as you go along, but slips, trips and falls account for 37% of all workplace injuries, and 28% account for all workplace fatalities.

Remembering to keep your work area tidy throughout the day will reduce the risk of you and your colleagues being injured. You should also pay particular attention to escape routes.

Stay Safe on the Scaffolding

By taking safety precautions whilst using scaffolding, you can reduce the risk of accidents. Workers who fall from scaffolding can face serious injuries like broken bones and head trauma, which is why scaffolding accidents often prove deadly.

You might be thinking: why do I need scaffolding if it’s so dangerous? Although it’s dangerous in theory, as long as builders are provided with a safe and secure platform and take the right safety measures whilst working on scaffolding, it’s the most effective way to get their jobs done.

Don’t Put Yourself or Others at Risk

One wrong move on the construction site is enough to put you and others at risk. When on-site, be aware of your actions by thinking and acting safely. Make sure you follow safety signs and procedures which should be explained during your induction. Your employer should ensure risk assessments are carried out regularly for your work activities, so make sure you and your colleagues read and understand them thoroughly.

Working in a safe area can help you avoid serious injuries. For example, don’t work at height without suitable guard rails or other forms of fall prevention. You should also avoid unsupported trenches by always having safe access. Being proactive and thinking safely will keep you and others safe.

Never Mess with Equipment

If you notice something isn’t working, or it doesn’t look right, always report it. Don’t try to fix it or force it unless you’re trained to. Tampering with equipment that you’re not trained for or not supposed to touch can be a safety risk for you and others.

You should also avoid removing rails or scaffold ties and machine guards unless you have authorisation. If you think something needs altering, make sure you ask or inform someone first. 

Ask if You’re Unsure

Last but definitely not least, always ask if you’re unsure about something. If you don’t know what to do or if you think something is wrong or unsafe, stop what you’re doing immediately and simply ask someone. The 5 minutes it takes to check could benefit your or someone else’s safety. Better safe than sorry, right? Mistakes on construction sites cost lives, so make sure you take all safety precautions seriously.