A Guide on Civil Works Safety.
Posted on: 17 July 2019
As a civil works contractor, you must protect your employees, customers and members of the public as you conduct building works. Employee and third party injury claims can run down your business. Other than having an insurance cover, below are a few safety tips to observe as you conduct civil works.
Machine Maintenance
Below are a few machine maintenance tips;
- Regularly inspect tools such as drills and jackhammers—vehicles and earthmovers must be inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Keep inspection records of all your tools and equipment—the records will help you determine parts that need urgent replacement.
- Do not allow employees to use faulty equipment at the site. Besides, train them how to use new tools.
- Make sure earthmovers are operated by licenced and qualified personnel.
- Use quality lubricants and spares to repair your machines.
- Use the right machine for the right job—for example, do not use an excavator to hoist objects.
- Never use earthmovers in rainy or snowy weather.
Employee Safety
Your employees must wear personal protective clothing such as boots, reflector jackets and gloves while working. Provide a safety harness if they will work at heights. Your employees should formulate a proper communication system. Flags, walkie-talkies and hand signals are highly efficient in noisy environments. Your site supervisor must be vigilant to ensure employees observe safety while working.
Site Safety
Inspect the site before you begin construction works. For example, if you intend to demolish a structure, be on the lookout for hazardous materials such as asbestos. Machines such as cranes should be strategically erected on firm ground or a platform. Low-lying electrical and telephone lines can lead to accidents at the site. Contact the power company if you have to use high reach arms and cranes at the site. Ask for a site map and mark the location of underground water and sewer lines.
Public safety
Erect safety signs to warn members of the public of falling objects, slippery surfaces or ongoing demolition work. Use a construction barricade tape to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing hazardous areas.
Emergencies
How will you handle emergencies such at the site? Your employees are the first responders when an accident happens. Therefore, some of them should have basic first aid training. You should also have emergency contacts such as those to the fire fighting department, local police, hospitals and ambulance services.
Accidents are unavoidable at times. However, with the above tips, you can be confident that your employees, clients and members of the public are safe at your site.
Share