Measuring Construction Safety

Being in close proximity to a construction site, surrounding by heavy lifting equipments is dangerous, but working in one ranks higher the hazard meter. From the passing public to the laborers and the management, we’re all at risk---be it physical injuries, damages to property or confiscation of certain working permits and licenses. Signages are not intended for advertising (though some companies are shrewd enough to interweave their logos or slogans after the warning symbol). Companies deliberately mount these signs near a site where danger is imminent, all they ask from us is to read the same. When you see a sign that says ‘park at your own risk’ that means to literally park at your own risk because there is an ongoing construction. You might want to settle for a lot that is far from the rigging equipments.

Companies hugely invest in the safety of their workers, I would like to assume that they’re doing this not because they’re mandated by law but because they really value their workforce. The agency called OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is tasked to prevent work-related injuries by setting standards for workplace safety. This is not the only duty of the service provider. Choosing the right heavy equipment movers must be carefully completed, too. Manipulating service rigs must be left to the professionals. No one in his right mind will position a novice to present forklift service. It’s like giving a newly licensed teenager access to drive your 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster. It’s berserk. Another would be supplying the workers with safety gears like hardhats, safety vests, glasses, gloves and everything necessary for the efficient completion of the project. Make sure that it fits snuggly. You don’t want your hat tipping on one side of your head or covering you eyes. Consideration must be placed in the equipment being used. There is no room for faulty machines in a construction site. This will bring absolutely halt to the building process. Much responsibility is positioned in the shoulders of the management from the selection to the acquisition of laborers and equipments. One wrong move may and will spell disaster for the entire construction company. If the management does not follow these requirements, their workers are advised to bring their complaints directly to OSHA. Remember, it is the duty of the company to provide a working condition devoid of recognized hazards.

Read and understand. This is all we have to do. Common sense dictates that when a sign says danger or caution, it means steer clear from that place. These yellow and black characters and images are not merely displays or advertising tactics. They’re cautionary indicators. Sometimes, same is accompanied by simple illustrations. Again, one is requested to look, process and comprehend what one perceives. Most pictures are self-explanatory. An example would be the figure of a hardhat usually suggests that you wear the same. Another would be the picture of a hoisted item, this connotes that there is a suspended load. So move away. No one should walk underneath a swinging or suspended load. If the task calls for it, to do so with much caution.

These are a few of the precautionary measures that one must take to ensure safety even under normal conditions. It serves as a reminder of the need to provide necessary protective actions to minimize injuries for both the employees and the public.