Construction Safety: Frequently Asked Questions and Recommendations

PPE is highly recommended, and even mandatory in many cases, to avert accidents and injuries in construction zones. Depending on the type of construction activity and the anticipated hazard, a worker may require:

- eye and face protection such as safety glasses and face shield

- foot protection such as slip and puncture-resistant boots and safety-toed footwear

- head protection like hard hats

Construction zones are high-risk spaces with accidents just waiting to happen. One runs the risk of encountering slippery surfaces, unattended material or tools, or loose cables and slipping or tripping. There’s also the risk of encountering a collapse or falling from a height due to unsecured scaffolding, ladders, and/or equipment, unprotected edges, and lack of safety nets or guardrails. 

Inadequate lighting, overloads, and improper/loose wiring or hanging wires can lead to accidents that are easy to avoid. One might hurt himself or others while operating heavy machinery, while incorrect handling of heavy objects can cause severe injuries. Noise and vibration common to construction zones can damage the hearing ability and the blood vessels/nerves respectively. Workers exposed to asbestos and other fine dust material for long run the risk of developing serious respiratory diseases that can potentially be life threatening. The list is endless, and precaution at every step is crucial for worker safety.

Given the risky and unsafe nature of construction zones, ensuring worker safety holds utmost importance. In addition to creating policies that are worker-friendly, and installing construction zone signage to clearly communicate dangers and hazards, there are several things you can do to minimize the safety risks. 

Ensure you provide your workers with the PPE that is appropriate for them, and also train them on how to wear, use, and get out of the PPE. The workers should be properly trained and regularly updated on the correct way to use their tools, equipment, and/or machinery. 

You should also ensure that any safety and support equipment such as ramps, rails, ladders, scaffolding, etc. are in good working conditions, and wet/slippery surfaces are swiftly dried and cleaned or marked. There should also be a process in place and well communicated to handle any workplace accidents and disasters.

The OSHA standard 1926 details the safety and health regulations for the construction industry. This standard covers everything from safety and health provisions and executing environmental controls to provision for personal protective equipment and installing appropriate construction safety signage and barricades. 

The standard also provides detailed information on handling materials, tools and equipment, sector-specific guidelines such as marine, excavation, masonry etc., carrying out demolition operations, and handling, managing, and limiting the risk associated with toxic/harmful substances such as asbestos, other carcinogens, chemicals, etc.