Health and safety in the construction industry
Summary
Construction is a formidable industry in the UK and is responsible for creating the foundations of everyday life. From houses to offices, there are so many buildings that rely on this sector, which is why it’s worth so much. Its […]
Construction is a formidable industry in the UK and is responsible for creating the foundations of everyday life. From houses to offices, there are so many buildings that rely on this sector, which is why it’s worth so much. Its market size in 2023 was over $500 billion in the UK alone and that number is expected to rise in the years to come as well.
The nature of construction work, however, means danger can lurk around every corner. Unfortunately, this has made this industry the most deadly according to data from 2022/23.
These fatal consequences make health and safety of paramount importance no matter the project. As a construction manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure the right procedures are in place and your staff feel safe.
Below you’ll find out more about why health and safety are so important and how you can improve yours. Continue reading to find out more.
Why is health and safety important in the construction industry?
Aside from keeping workplace fatalities to a minimum, there are several other advantages to ensuring health and safety procedures are in place. This includes:
- Lower number of injuries
- Meeting legal requirements
- Cost reduction as accidents can lead to medical bills and potential lawsuits
- Improved employee productivity
- More confident workforce
- Employee satisfaction and retention
How can I improve the health and safety of my construction site?
With so many advantages, we’re confident you’ll want to improve the health and safety of your construction site too. Here are some of the best ways to do that:
Lighting
Poor lighting can lead to slips, trips and falls, so you should ensure there are adequate lighting levels at all times. You can equip each of your employees with high-powered torches or place temporary lights in darker places. This is especially important if you’re doing work at night.
Signage
Clear signage is important around the construction site. It can be used to warn workers of potential dangers and point them in the right direction during an emergency. This could be to a fire assembly point for example.
Training
Proper training levels are a must for anyone on your work site as they ensure they complete tasks to a high standard with great efficiency. There are plenty of essential training sessions for construction employees to complete and providing regular training should keep standards high.
Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must for keeping injuries to a minimum. Plus, it can help to protect their health as well if they’re exposed to hazardous substances that could cause respiratory illnesses or skin rashes.
The must-have PPE for your staff members include:
- Hard hats
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Ear protection
- Steel-capped boots
- High-visibility clothing
- Knee Pads