Dealing With Hazards Toolbox Talk
Understand the general hazards while working on a construction site, how to identify them, and what to do about them.
Dealing With Hazards Safety talk
Because of the nature of the job, construction work is much more dangerous than almost any other line of work possible. You are constantly dealing with heavy machinery and potentially dangerous chemicals and materials. These things can cause bodily harm to you and the people around you if not handled properly. In this article, we will discuss how you can deal with the safety hazards at your job site.
Deal With Hazards Properly
One of the worst things a supervisor or site manager can do is task employees with working around a hazard rather than addressing it properly. Unfortunately, this happens far too often in the construction industry. These issues should be addressed immediately, not thrown on the back burner. Here are some examples:
The point is, you shouldn’t just ‘deal’ with hazards. You should make a concerted effort to completely get rid of hazards altogether. Simply relying on our co-workers to avoid the hazards themselves is a recipe for disaster.
What are Some of the Hazards of a Construction Site
As we mentioned at the top of the toolbox talk, working constriction is dangerous by nature. Many work-place hazards can be dealt with before they cause issues but some hazards simply come with the job. It’s up to both the employee and the company to successfully mitigate these hazards through training and attentiveness. Here are some of the most common hazards of a construction site:
Height
According to recent research, over a quarter of worker fatalities were from a fall of height. This means working at height is the most common cause of fatal injuries to workers. If you are a supervisor, you need to be sure that all of your employees who work at height are thoroughly trained and experienced to do the job. You also need to be sure the proper equipment is involved. Here are some of the ways you can avoid an accident:
Moving Objects
Another unavoidable risk is moving machinery. Unavoidable in the sense that this machinery will always be on the worksite. Accidents caused by moving machinery can be avoided if proper precautions are taken. Things such as supply vehicles, lifting equipment, and diggers can all pose a threat. Here are some of the ways you can deal with that threat:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
This can be a danger no matter where you work. For example, a wet floor at an office job caused by a recent mopping can lead to slippage. Climbing the stairs can lead to falls. These risks become more apparent when working in construction. Here are some common causes of slips and trips and how you can avoid them:
Noise
Unfortunately, many construction workers are unaware of the long-term damage noise can cause until it’s too late. PPE is required on the worksite to prevent hearing loss. When you are working with heavy machinery and heavy materials, loud noises are bound to happen. Without proper equipment, these loud noises can take a toll over time. This can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus. Make sure your ears are always protected when you’re on the job.
In Conclusion
Working in construction is dangerous. You don’t need us to tell you that. Unfortunately, so many of these workplace injuries can be avoided with proper safety protocols. Recognizing the dangers of construction work and taking steps to mitigate that danger is required.
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