Construction is one of the most dangerous sectors to work in, with high injury and fatality rates around the world. Training staff in identifying and avoiding work site hazards is a vitally important way of reducing the number of incidents in construction. Training should be updated regularly to ensure that all workers are fully knowledgeable on the risks posed on a daily basis.
The Law Concerning Workplace Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970 was passed in the United States to place the responsibility on employers to ensure that all employees and staff have safe working environments. In construction, this requires taking action to remove or reduce the number and severity of hazards encountered on site, as well as providing adequate and ongoing training to ensure workers are able to identify and avoid any risks that they are exposed to.
In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act was passed in 1974, and serves the same function as the Occupational Safety and Health Act in the United States; to ensure that all workers retain the right to carry out roles and functions in a safe environment.
Hazards Found on a Construction Site
Construction workers are exposed to a number of hazards while on site. Heavy machinery poses a risk of crushing, which can cause severe injuries or even death. For those working in the vicinity of electrical cables, the risk of electrocution can have similar consequences.
Those working at height run the risk of falls. Even those not involved with operating heavy machinery or working from height can be at risk of injuries or conditions, such as stepping on a nail or suffering temporary hearing loss from working in a noisy area.
The Importance of Safety Training in Construction
Training is an important method of alerting employees to workplace hazards because, without this information, workers may feel that their safety is at risk, and become demoralized and unwilling to work in such conditions. Training is also a good way of fulfilling legal obligations, because attendance can be taken at a training course, and therefore the company can prove that they have taken adequate steps to prevent accidents or injuries.
With ongoing training, employees are more aware of the hazards they face. As a result, workers can identify risks before they cause harm or injury, and take safe and sufficient steps to either remove the hazard, or minimize it. The rate of accidents, injuries and fatalities within an organization will become lower, giving workers more confidence that they are working in a safe environment, and thus boosting productivity and loyalty.
The Consequences of Being Negligent when Providing Training
Any company that is found to be negligent in providing employees with a safe working environment is at risk of employees suffering serious injuries or even fatalities on construction sites. This leaves the company vulnerable to compensation claims, which can be financially damaging, or even crippling for smaller businesses.
The reputation of a company will also be severely affected, resulting in unhappy workers who may seek employment elsewhere. Clients who are not confident in a company’s ability to manage a safe site may take business to a competitor with a better safety record.
Safety is of paramount importance in any company; but some industries find themselves more exposed to risk than others. Managing this risk is a vitally important part of business, and can avoid complications and problems in the future.
Sources Used
Peninsula Builders Exchange, "Basic Safety Principles," accessed 10 July 2010
Ben Wakeling - Lives in England with his wife and two children. Loves writing, photography, and slouching. Ben is currently posting extracts on a blog ...
