HEALTH AND SAFETY ON THE JOBSITE

In construction, you are almost three times as likely to get injured on the job than you are being involved in a motor vehicle accident. To protect your health and safety on a construction jobsite you must pay strict attention to the environmental factors that may put you at risk. These include: weather, harmful substances, disease, muscular and skeletal injury, accidents.

This article will outline ways of combating these issues and protecting your health and safety on the jobsite.

WEATHER

Given the obvious outdoor nature of the construction industry, weather is always a primary risk to workers’ health and safety. Whether it be the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter, temperature extremes can take their toll. You often don’t get a choice when it comes to weather, so the best way to combat these extremes is to prepare for them.

In summer, wear clothing that helps keep you cool, like wet bandannas around your head or neck and lightweight fabrics.

In winter, consider moisture-wicking fabrics, insulated footwear and clothing, hard hat liners and hand and foot warmers. These will help maintain your core body temperature, fend off colds and flu and prevent hypothermia.

When working in windy, rainy or snowy weather your chance of being involved in an accident increases. The best way to avoid accident is by preparing the correct clothing and footwear and being extra cautious when moving around the jobsite.

HARMFUL SUBSTANCES

Construction sites are riddled with harmful substances used to finish, seal, bond and protect materials. There is often a high amount of dust present and exists the risk of cuts, scrapes and bruises which can lead to secondary infections.

A good option is to ensure that you receive a tetanus shot at least every 10 years. While on site make sure you wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses and steel cap boots. You should also take the time to observe the harmful materials around you and plan a course of action should you become exposed.

DISEASES

Working a physically demanding job can increase stress which consequently can result in becoming ill with viral infections or even increase the risk of diabetes in overweight people.

To manage stress levels, drink plenty of water, ask for help if you need it, establish boundaries between your work life and private life and remember to eat healthy and get enough sleep.

INJURY AND ACCIDENTS

The physical nature of construction can lead to injury or accident. Repetitive tasks can lead to injury resulting from overuse while tasks that require physical strength can leave you vulnerable to muscular and skeletal damage.

To help minimise the risk of injury it is important to stay in good physical shape. Warming up every morning and throughout the day can also help to reduce injury.