Whether you are working on a commercial construction project or a multi-family restoration project, construction safety is a necessity for the client and the workers completing your project. At ETI Construction, we take safety and risk prevention very seriously, and work hard to ensure the well-being of everyone present at our job sites. There are many hazards present at a construction site, but there are also many ways to keep those hazards minimized. When hiring independent contractors, make sure you find one who is committed to a safe workplace!
Common Construction Hazards
Construction does not have to be a dangerous job. With the right training and awareness, everyone can stay safe in a construction zone. Below are some common hazards encountered by every construction business. Everyone working on an ETI construction site is well-trained on how to handle hazards like these to keep everyone safe, whether they be workers or bystanders.
Moving Objects
Moving and falling objects are a common hazard on any construction worksite. With different tools or construction pieces being moved around, it is possible that something could slip or shift suddenly. Objects and work materials can be heavy and cause injury if they run into someone. This is why it is always important to be aware of your surroundings in a construction area, and always wear the proper protective equipment.
Material Handling
As previously stated, a lot of the material and equipment handled in a construction zone can be very heavy. Sometimes, it can also be bulky and difficult to move. One important element of construction safety is the proper training to carry large pieces of equipment and material. There is a proper and safe way to lift heavy objects, and sometimes workers have to be trained on how to operate machines that help carry heavy materials. A job site is at its safest when everyone is trained properly.
OSHA Requirements
OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has several requirements for safety on every construction site. At ETI, we take safety very seriously and are always sure to be fully OSHA-compliant when performing construction work. Below are just a few of OSHA’s construction site requirements that we always implement.
Personal Equipment
A key part of construction safety is equipping everyone on the job site with the proper clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE includes hard hats, safety goggles and gloves, ear protection, and other wearable items that help prevent injury. These items are required at all construction sites, even if there is a low risk of an incident. People passing through a construction area should also be equipped with PPE to ensure their safety, even if they are not sticking around to work.
OSHA also has a required dress code for workers on a construction project, meant to help add a layer of protection from debris or injury. Long-sleeved shirts are required, along with long pants, and close-toed shoes. Additional PPE and clothing specifications should align with the risks presented at the job site. It is essential for an employer to keep tabs on potential risks to keep everyone safe.
Signage
Proper signage and site markings are also a requirement from OSHA. This includes caution signs, danger signs, and other signage that denotes a construction workplace or site where hard hats are required. It is essential that any passersby are aware of construction and potential hazards, so everyone can take the necessary precautions.
Programs and Plans
When hiring independent contractors, it is important to research the safety requirements that are put forth not just by OSHA, but by the contracting company itself. OSHA requires all employers to provide workers with safety training and accident prevention programs. Your contractors, therefore, should be equipping all of their workers with the right safety tools. Some commercial construction work requires specialized equipment which requires its own safety precautions to prevent danger. Certain equipment requires a special certification to operate, which helps create a safer work environment.
The ETI Process
At ETI, we make safety a priority, both for our workers and for you. There are a lot of construction safety rules to follow that are put in place for the well-being of everyone involved in our work. Beyond our construction site and OSHA policies, however, is how we prepare to make each unique workplace as safe as possible. This is done through our comprehensive project management system, the ETI Process.
The ETI Process is a twelve-step process that takes you from the preliminary meetings to your finished project. It is a comprehensive approach that gets our clients and our team all of the information needed to create the best final product possible. Multiple times through this process, we schedule meetings on the job site. These meetings are meant to help us get further details from our clients about the work they want done. Additionally, these meetings are essential for our work safety measures. As a construction business, we make sure to do the proper inspections of the workspace so we can take the necessary safety precautions. These meetings, and inspections, help us determine what safety equipment and PPE we need to bring to the construction site.
Safety, Guaranteed
Hiring independent contractors to take care of your construction or renovation project requires some research, but it does not have to be a complicated process. Some of the most important things to look for in a construction business are their project management skills and their commitment to safety. At ETI, safety is woven into our entire business. Our business leaders are experienced in safety training and risk prevention, with OSHA certifications at the very top of our company! If you are looking for a contractor for your commercial or multi-family building, or for other renovation or construction projects, consider talking to us at ETI. We are here to see your project through, with safety from start to finish.