Basic safety tips for any new construction worker
No one said construction was easy. In fact, with hauling heavy loads and creating new buildings, it’s no wonder construction workers need to stay vigilant on the job. If you’re uncertain about what to expect, here are some basic safety tips for any new construction worker to help keep you safe.
Wear your PPE
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is a necessity on any construction site. There are many reasons why you need personal protective equipment in construction. Mainly, PPE ensures protection against environmental, physical, and chemical hazards. Whether it’s safety glasses, work gloves, steel-toed boots, ear protection, or a hard hat, be sure to wear the right PPE for every project.
Communicate with your supervisor
Another important thing to keep in mind is communication. Construction crews undergo intense, quick bids to create new residential or commercial buildings in the least time possible. Given these expectations, accidents, and mishaps can happen. The probability of a workplace accident increases when poor communication skills affect job performance. Therefore, always check in with your supervisor regarding what’s expected for that day and how you can keep yourself, and others, safe from harm.
Maintain a clean work environment
Even though each construction worker has their own responsibilities to think about, everyone shares the burden of universal cleanliness. A dirty work environment is a gateway to injury and accidents. Always clean up spills, remove waste, and organize tools and equipment. A clean work environment ensures no one trips, falls or otherwise injures themselves on the job.
Know Your Rights
Even when you double down on your safety needs by wearing PPE at all times and fostering open communication with all other employees, things can still go wrong. However, in a world where compliance with worksite regulations is so important, this is a hard reality to face.
But in a scenario like this, it’s important to remember that sometimes accidents happen, and not everything you go through will be your fault. So if you’re injured, be sure to focus on your recovery, and let someone like a workers' comp attorney from Barrios Virguez go over the fine details of where the accident could have sprung from instead.
Be aware of your surroundings
The last basic safety tip for any new construction worker is to simply be cautious of your surroundings. Ultimately, whatever your responsibilities, always check your surroundings before and after you work on a project. You never want to walk near an open electrical line or falling rubble because you were careless. This caution isn’t limited to onsite performance, either. Even inclement weather can sneak up on you and ruin a workday. Stay vigilant to avoid any possible issues.