All lines of work pose some kind of threat to the safety of the people doing them. This is especially pronounced in industries using heavy equipment, which stands among the top in bodily harm and fatalities of workers. Realizing this, countries across the world have established and empowered regulatory bodies to create and implement safety procedures when executing duties on construction sites and industries.
Job site safety training is the dissemination of information meant to prevent accidents from happening, enable workers to properly respond to hazards and emergencies, as well as equipping them with the ability to recover (preferably quickly) after an incident. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the nationally recognized authority whose core purpose is to create a safe work site by providing safety guidelines and protocols for the workplace. We will now be taking a deeper look at what we can do as employers, employees, and workers to improve and maintain job site safety.
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What Are the Types of Job Site Hazards?
The number of risks and potential hazards that can cause harm in varying degrees is quite extensive. Here are a few that should be taken into serious consideration:
- Fall Hazards: This is the potential to fall while working at a height (6 feet or more) above the ground. The harm from fall hazards can range from minor (such as sprains) to fatal.
- Struck-by Hazards: Several utilities, such as cranes, lift loads and move them between points on the site. Careless or unaware workers can fatally get struck by travelling loads.
- Electrocution Hazards: This is posed when uninsulated surfaces make contact with live current. In most cases, this hazard is posed by contact with overhead electrical lines. Not only can this damage machinery by overloading circuits, but also prove fatal.
- Pinch Point Hazards: This is where it is possible for a body part to get caught between two surfaces, where at least one is moving. This may result in dismemberment, organ damage by exertion of pressure, suffocation, and even fatality.
- Chemical Hazards: This hazard is posed to workers exposed to harmful/toxic substances, whether in gaseous, liquid, or solid form. Toxicity ranges in intensity, from posing the threat of instant death, to taking years to manifest symptoms.
- Psychological Hazards: Working in dynamic, high risk-high demand environments of the construction and heavy industries can take its toll on any worker, and could negatively affect their mental health. This can lead to depression, and in extreme cases, suicide.
The experienced trainers at Total Equipment Training will come to your work site and perform safety training onsite. Schedule today or give our office a call at (610) 321-2679.
Why Is Job Site Safety Important?
Job site safety is crucial for the safe operation of any and all work sites. It helps protect employees from causing and experiencing harm to themselves and those around them. Implements and machines (which tend to be expensive) used on-site will also be used properly, extending their operational duration. Several safety protocols have also been made into law, and can lead to costly lawsuits if ignored or circumvented.
OSHA Safety Tips for Job Sites
Improving safety at work sites is actually much easier than perceived, as it can start with a few small steps with lasting impacts:
- Be aware of activities and potential hazards in the work zone
- Inspect all tools and machinery before use
- Always wear proper equipment (protective and functional)
- Keep pathways, entries, and exits clear of obstructions
- Use tools and machines properly
- Follow instructions and manuals
- Communicate hazards as soon as they are identified
Benefits of Job Site Safety Training
Having workers skilled in job site safety training will not only improve the safety of the work site, but also improve the credibility of individual workers and the entire crew; helpful when seeking other work opportunities. Work efficiency also goes up as less time is taken to tend to accidents.
There is also the potential to save on medical expenses and lawsuits, as fewer employees are harmed as they work. Safe work environments reduce psychological stress, leading to better employee retention as a result of job satisfaction.
How to Pass the OSHA Job Site Safety Inspection
OSHA periodically carries out inspections of job sites to assess their safety levels, or if a complaint has been launched. This inspection is made up of 3 parts:
- Opening Conference: The inspector meets worksite representatives and explains their purpose and scope (e.g., employee interviews)
- Facility Walk-Through: A guided tour and actual inspection of the work site, utilities, and safety assessment.
- Closing Conference: Inspector shares findings with representatives and changes to be made.
Some recommendations to pass the inspection include:
- Don’t avoid questions. Withholding information can lead to future repercussions, so it is best to be calm, honest, and direct with the inspector
- Maintain and avail records. Any and all official documentation from employee records to manufacturer communications should be at hand.
- Provide training to all site workers and keep records detailing training.
- Address issues promptly. Any citations or issues raised should be tended to as soon as possible.
Interested in site supervisor training to help pass OSHA safety inspections? Total Equipment Training can assist. Email us with your needs.
info@totalequipmenttraining.com
Get Workplace Safety Training
Total Equipment Training is your best partner to ensure you are meeting industry standards for occupational site safety. TET is a nationally recognized, OSHA-compliant organization that trains individuals and groups on a variety of heavy equipment, riggers, and signal persons, and site-specific safety, all thanks to their competent and experienced team. Reach out today to turn your job site into a safer and more efficient workspace.
