By John Bruens, Account Manager

How seriously do you take construction job safety? Are you doing your best to stay safe on the jobsite? Injuries and fatalities take place the moment safety guidelines and standards are ignored. You always have to keep in mind that construction safety is not only the responsibility of the contractor you work for or the safety manager on the worksite. It also falls on your shoulders to make sure that safety becomes part of the way you operate on every single project and on a daily basis. Below we provide some hints on how to stay safe on the jobsite.

Know Where You Need to Be
A large number of accidents and injuries in construction take place because tradespeople are in areas where they were not supposed to be in the first place. For example, an electrician is doing work at an area of the jobsite and they are using extension cords or they are working live. This creates potential hazards and dangers for those who are not familiar with this area of the jobsite and they must stay away to prevent injury.  It is very important that you always know where you are supposed to be and you make sure that you are aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid unnecessary exposure to risks and perils.

Always Use PPE  
Never start working on a project without your personal protective equipment (PPE). Putting your safety in jeopardy and getting injured just because you didn’t wear your hard hat or your work gloves or your protective glasses is foolish. When it comes to construction safety, it doesn’t matter how long you have been in the industry or how many times you have performed a task throughout your construction career, it only takes one mistake. A construction site changes daily creating new conditions and hazards and in order to stay safe on the jobsite you must be prepared and protected.

Stay Up There
Falling from heights is the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the construction industry. Hundreds of workers lose their lives or are seriously hurt on a yearly basis. According to OSHA, these injuries are preventable and construction job safety can be enforced with 3 simple steps; planning, provision and training. Before you start working from heights you must have a clear understanding of how you are going to get the job done safely. You have to make sure that you have fall protection and the right equipment for the job, and you need to know how to use the specific tools and machines to complete the job. Ensure you have taken these 3 steps before you start climbing to prevent accidents or injury.

Don’t Cut Corners  
Another factor that puts construction safety at risk is the tendency to cut corners as a way to get the job done faster. Not using the right tools and equipment for the task, neglecting procedures and selecting convenience over safety is a recipe for disaster. In order to stay safe on the jobsite, you must do things the right way. Your goal must always be to leave the workplace safe and sound. Keep in mind that what you may see as convenient or time saving may also result in personal injury or the injury of a co-worker.

Be Responsible
If you believe that it is only up to the general contractor, sub-contractors, or safety managers to ensure that you stay safe on the jobsite then you need to think again. The concept of construction safety does not end with a simple toolbox talk or safety meeting. It is not simply the obligation of your employer to ensure that you receive the necessary safety orientation. It is also your responsibility to make safety part of the way you do your job. It is your duty to comply with construction safety guidelines and standards. Please do not hesitate to point out overlooked or recently created hazards on site and do your part to make safety a team effort.

Key Takeaways to How Safe Are You on the Jobsite:
1.  Know where you are supposed to be on the jobsite and stay there
2.  Never start working without the necessary PPE
3.  Take the necessary measures to ensure fall prevention
4.  Always follow safety guidelines and avoid shortcuts that create risks
5.  Make construction safety part of the way you do your job

About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com