6 Tips for Making Your Construction Site Safer

Working as a construction worker is almost similar to being a superhero. Each day you are entrusted with the responsibility of bearing heavy loads and using expensive equipment. Squatting on scaffolds and riding in cranes puts you so high up in the sky that you have the feeling you are flying. What makes your job extraordinary and enjoyable can also put a lot of stress on you. If you don’t take care, you can incur injuries while working. Here are some safety tips to follow to avoid common injury and stress on the construction site.

1. Lift objects properly

As a construction worker, backaches are your primary enemy. It is easy to get injuries while carrying heavy loads, but you can avoid this hazard altogether. Always bend your knees so that you don’t twist to the side while lifting. For a better balance, put one foot in front of the other.

2. Use ergonomic portable and high-powered tools

Tools are meant to make your work simpler. You may not realize it, but frequent use of poorly designed tools can make you develop conditions such as trigger finger, white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. Even powered tools can make you develop serious problems due to their excessive noise and high vibration. Thus, as an employer or supervisor, ensure the tools you select for your workers have a long trigger and low vibration levels. For the hand tools, safety coordinators or employers must select those that require less force and don’t put a strain on the hand when held tight. The hand tools must also be balanced, and not conduct electricity or heat.


3. Sit when working at a lower level

Avoid kneeling or squatting when working at a lower level. Sitting on a stable stool will help you avoid straining your waist or knees.

4. Keep your wrists in a neutral position

The same applies to your arms. If you don’t maintain them at a neutral position while working, you will suffer from swelling, pains, strains, and tingling by the end of your shift. If it gets worse, you can develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

5. Balance your tool belt’s weight

Tool belts are usually small and handy, but they are capable of pulling your body out of alignment unless you balance their weight. If you notice one side of the belt is heavier than another, adjust it accordingly by transferring tools to the lighter side.

6. Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards

Follow all mandates and recommendations from safety and occupational health inspectors. Machinery such as cranes should be well-serviced and maintained. And if you require spare parts, obtain them from reputable and approved dealers such as ProservCrane Group.

Working at a construction site is not easy, and you are prone to many forms of accidents. However, by lifting objects properly, using well-designed tools, and following occupational safety standards, you will continue to work safely without job-related injuries.