Examining The Benefits Of Having A Construction Workplace Injury And Accident Prevention Program

A comprehensive and thorough injury and accident prevention plan is the best way to keep workers safe and productive on the job. They are designed around identifying hazards, training workers to deal with them, equipping workers with the right industrial equipment supplies and industrial apparel, and creating contingencies in the case of emergencies. Even if that list seems daunting, the best accident protection plans are built one step at a time.
Job Hazards Analysis
Every plan starts with an identification phase. Go through every job task that workers perform and observe the work site. List every construction function and identify any and all hazards associated with those tasks. Each potential hazard will then be matched with a corresponding safe working practice, engineering controls, and proper industrial apparel and safety industrial equipment supplies.
As an example, take the use of power equipment. Safe working practices include always keeping power tools under the direct control of their operator and only allowing trained and certified operators to use those tools. Engineering controls would be to always use and engage all safety guards as they are designed. Proper industrial apparel includes clothing that fits well so that it cannot be caught in moving parts or obstruct the operator’s movements. Safety industrial equipment supplies should include, at minimum, safety glasses, a hardhat, hearing protection, and work gloves.
Now, repeat this process for each worker and each job function. When you have gone through all the possible hazards, you will have a comprehensive list of safe working practices and a plan for using the proper personal protective industrial equipment supplies.
Stocking Up On Industrial Apparel And Other Safety Supplies
The injury and accident prevention plan also doubles as a PPE program; you will have a list of all of the safety gear your crew will need in hand. Keep the job site fully stocked with plenty of spares. Anytime an accident occurs, any industrial apparel involved should be replaced. For instance, if a tool falls from scaffolding and bounces off someone’s hardhat, even if it causes no injury or cracks, replace that hardhat. All safety gear must be in top working condition in order to provide full protection. Always keep spares in stock and rotate out old industrial equipment supplies.
First aid supplies should also be present on site. Suppliers should offer OSHA-approved first aid kits. Be sure to keep enough materials stocked in each area in excess of all the workers that are assigned to that section.
Emergency Planning
In order to be thorough, accident injury plans have to include provisions for emergencies and injuries. industrial machinery industry outlook In a perfect world, every incident would be preventable, but we have to plan for reality.
Communication in an emergency is crucial. Every incident has to be communicated to other workers and supervisors. They will make the decision if an evacuation is required, if 911 should be called, and if the work site is still safe. Plus, every accident is a learning opportunity to improve an accident prevention plan, so communicating what happened and making necessary changes will help prevent it from occurring again.
Evacuation plans are also crucial. A crane operator, for example, cannot just abandon his vehicle with a heavy load still suspended in the air. Designate responsible parties who can safely shut down machines that cannot be left unattended in order to leave the work site safe and secure. In addition, drill every worker and visitor on emergency escape routes for an orderly evacuation.
Training And Putting A Plan Into Action
Even the best plan is useless if no one knows how to implement it. Training and communication is essential so that everyone is aware of and can follow all the proper safety guidelines and use the right industrial apparel. Hold training courses for the entire crew after the plan is developed. Periodic refresher courses, especially if the plan is revised and updated, are especially useful. Make sure every new hire and contractor goes through training as well before they start their job.
Place safety posters, reminders, and instructions around the site and in specific areas. This will help keep workers informed of their duties and allow colleagues and visitors to know what hazards are present in any area at a glance.
An injury and accident prevention plan creates a safety culture for any construction crew that 7 stages of product development will provide tangible results in lower injury rates, higher productivity, and greater morale.