When you’re running a construction business it is so important to prioritize safety and make sure that all of your employees are well-versed on your guidelines and protocols. Certain rules are put into place for a good reason, so it’s important to adhere to legislative guidelines and the personal safety procedures of your business in tandem. In the construction industry, it’s no secret that it holds the records for the highest non-fatal incidents simply due to the nature of the work. When incidents and work-related illnesses occur it can cost your business and the entire industry billions every single year, so what can be done to prevent this from escalating? As well as ensuring a secure work environment, you also want to create a culture of safety so that your employees can pass this down to new recruits when they join your team.
So, if you’re hoping to reduce the number of workplace injuries and enhance your processes, there are a handful of things you can do. In order to manage a safe construction site and put the health of your workers first, here are just a handful of methods to help you improve your current procedures.
- Promote Safety From the Outset
From the moment you onboard a new employee, you need to make it very clear that your company promotes safety for your workers. This can only be done through effective leadership; this type of culture can trickle down through the organization and have a positive impact on new hires as they walk through the door. You may require a safety manual for construction so that everyone has the same guidelines to follow when they join your team. All in all, the attitudes and behaviors of your team can have an impact on everyone else so it’s important to create a philosophy of safety from the get go.
- Use an Online Management System If Possible
Online management systems aren’t used widely enough to protect people and assess the processes you already have in place. There are a number of programs that can carry out a job safety analysis in your workplace. These sorts of systems can also develop metrics and KPIs for your construction site so that it always stays on track with the relevant goals. Online management systems are all about preventing problems from occurring and solving potential issues before an accident happens.
- Add Safety Procedures into Your Daily Workflows
Rather than making safety an added burden to your team, you need to make it part of their daily workflow so that it becomes innate. Instead of putting pressure on people to overthink every single safety procedure, you need to instill the idea of safety as a core value in your company. By integrating safety into your every day workflows and processes, you can be sure that your employees are well-informed and in possession of the right mindset to work in a safe environment.
- Keep an Open Line of Communication
When you’re working in the construction industry you already know how important it is to communicate with your team. Providing regular updates regarding the site and opening up discussions will help everyone to feel much more comfortable on the job. In an environment where there is a lot at stake, it is so important to encourage all of your employees to communicate effectively and air any concerns they have with their line managers. Noticing hazards from the moment they occur and bringing them to the forefront will keep everyone safe and set a good example for everyone in the business.
- Hold Meetings With Your Workforce
Keeping your team up to date with new processes, procedures and safety protocols is such a huge part of maintaining a happy and healthy workforce. You need to engage with your workers and hold monthly safety meetings so that they are always in the know. This will not only add to your overall safety of culture in the workplace, but it will also allow you to assess if there are any gaps in knowledge. Regular meetings may not be everyone’s favorite event in their calendar, but they can certainly go a long way in terms of keeping everyone well-informed with safety procedures.
- Take Safety Violations Seriously
If any of your employees violate your safety precautions, it is so important for you to take action and show how seriously you take it. Disciplining your employees in a fair way can help them to learn from their mistakes, and it also sets an example for the rest of the people on the team. Ignoring safety procedures is a very serious type of malpractice which should be dealt with by your senior leadership team.
- Look Out for Safety Issues on a Daily Basis
In order to ensure a thoroughly safe and secure site, you need to keep the space clean and look out for safety issues on a daily basis. If your employees are having to navigate dust build up, broken equipment and busted machinery, this isn’t going to keep them safe whilst they’re on the job. Maintaining good cleaning practices will not only reduce the number of accidents on site, but it will also set the standards high for your workplace.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear to see that a smooth and safe construction site can be achieved as long as you’re willing to go the extra mile with regards to safety procedures and protocols. Making sure that you hold your employees accountable for their actions, taking the time to train your workers correctly and cultivating a safe environment overall in your site will help you to create a safer place to work altogether. Your approach to managing the health and safety of your construction site can have a direct impact on the wellbeing of your employees, which is why it’s so important to take these steps seriously from the outset. Hopefully, you have the knowledge and experience to make any necessary changes so that your place of work is a safe, efficient and enjoyable place for everyone to work.
