Constructing a building requires a team of builders and engineers to ensure the project is completed to perfection. Whether it is operating machinery, executing blueprint ideas, or simply lifting construction material, skilled labor is crucial to the success of any project – and so is their safety. Construction site managers and companies are responsible for ensuring work goes on smoothly and safely on site.
According to SafeWork Australia, construction had the third most fatalities (26) and the fifth highest fatality rate (2.2).per 100,000 workers among Australian workplaces. The figures illustrate the hazards of slips, machine failures, and falls. Therefore, providing workers with all the safety gear and essentials is necessary to ensure a smooth process.
If you’re managing a construction site, have the following essentials on hand:
1. Temporary housing for workers
Weather conditions can be challenging on outdoor construction sites. Sometimes workers need a place to rest or escape the elements when working in hot and humid weather or during a storm. If construction workers need to stay overnight, they’ll also need a place to sleep. Here’s where shipping containers come in handy since these can be used as makeshift sleeping bunkers and break rooms.
A durable shipping container can be fitted with plumbing, heating, and cooling systems and modified to accommodate people. You can get the dimensions as per your liking or space; just make sure you mention your desired specifications and weight when ordering one. Or type in “shipping container dimensions Australia” on Google to learn more about the typical dimensions of shipping containers.
2. Emergency medical rescue
Accidents can occur at any given time on a construction site. Therefore, it’s essential to be prepared and have an emergency plan. Even if one worker slips or gets injured, waiting for the paramedics is not an option, especially if the hospital is miles away. When working on the city’s outskirts, it can take hours to reach the hospital.
Having a backup ambulance on site can speed up the process and drive the patient directly to the hospital. First-aid kits in ambulances are handy for treating minor wounds and preventing infection.
3. Safety training
Before starting a construction project, it is essential to train workers on basic safety measures. If the workers are familiar with all the safety measures and know how to use construction equipment properly, there will be fewer accidents, and they will be able to do their jobs safely. Cooperating or working as a team will also improve communication and ensure everyone is on the same page.
4. Safety gear
In the bustling world of construction, where dust, boulders, pebbles, and particles dance in the air, safeguarding the well-being of your team is paramount. Aside from getting the right construction equipment such as a skid steer profiler and an excavator, securing safety equipment is also very important. Employees often find themselves working at heights, balancing on scaffolding, or perched on aerial platforms, making them vulnerable to potential falls or head injuries. To fortify their defense, it’s crucial to outfit your workforce with hard hats, goggles, masks, safety jackets, and safety harnesses. Remember, safety knows no hierarchy – this gear should be donned by everyone on the construction site, from seasoned veterans to esteemed senior management and even visiting guests.
5. Backup power generator
Machines used on construction sites need electricity to operate. It is common for construction sites to run on generators until power from the main supply is resumed.
You can’t finish a project on time if the machines stop working. With the help of a generator, the devices can obtain the energy they need. Diesel-powered generators can provide the needed power for your construction site when there is no immediate power supply. Using industrial panels can ensure the efficient distribution of this power to where it’s needed. Once the site receives power from the main supply, you can turn off the generators.
6. Rear actor
A rear actor, also known as a back actor or backhoe loader, is a piece of excavating equipment. These are small diggers that are usually considered essential on construction sites and can perform various actions, such as:
- Moving bricks
- Demolition of small structures
- Landscape developments
- Excavation
- Digging
- Pave and break asphalt
A rear actor is smaller than excavators and best for small sites as it saves space. In addition, this one piece of equipment can perform several functions.
7. Danger signage and barriers
Placing barrier planks or large signage marked “DANGER” around the work area can ensure safety and warn visitors to stay away. Make sure to place danger signs everywhere that are visible to everyone, so everyone remains cautious.
8. Cranes
In construction, cranes are essential for moving materials. This machine gives a physical advantage and moves loads beyond the capability of a human with the aid of one or more machines, enhancing the efficiency and speed of a project. For example, tower cranes can easily lift and lower materials and move them horizontally.
9. Pickup trucks
A pickup is a vehicle with an open-top compartment behind the cab for carrying or pulling heavy loads. The compartment is usually separated from the cab by a frame that allows the vehicle to carry or tow heavy loads. It is essential to have a pickup on construction sites since they are multi-terrain vehicles and can transport materials efficiently and quickly.
10. Hammer drill
Hammer drills are rotary drills that hammer. With the hammering action, relatively brittle material is quickly pulverized, and drilling is carried out more quickly with less effort. Hammer drills generally use less power, while rotary hammers use more.
Depending on the unit, you can use the rotation and hammer modes separately or together. A hammer drill is an excellent tool for drilling holes in stone, masonry, and drilling holes for walls.
Conclusion
Construction is a long and dangerous process. Just one building can take months and even years to shape, requiring workers’ perseverance and tireless efforts. As a construction manager, you can provide certain essentials to make your workers’ work easier and ensure their safety.
While safety gear prevents injuries, keeping a first aid kit on hand is essential. If a worker requires medicine or bandages to treat wounds or injuries, they can do so easily. You can also reduce travel time for workers significantly by providing on-site makeshift sleeping bunkers. It is also important to check the machinery and maintain it to minimize work loss and delays.
