Critical Safety Tips for Summer Construction
Risks come with the territory when working on any construction site. But certain factors and conditions make them even more dangerous than they already are.
Summer is a prime example. When temperatures rise, and humidity levels go off the charts, the conditions are ripe for disaster.
Construction insurance can help you mitigate some of these risks. These insurance plans provide coverage for potential costs and liabilities that may ensue from having a construction project in warmer months.
Quick safety checklist
Even if you have insurance coverage, it is vital to implement safety measures in the workplace to ensure your workers’ continued health and well-being. Some of the steps you could take include:
- Performing temperature checks every day
- Requiring workers to remain at home if they are ill
- Institute a site-wide policy of wearing masks or face-coverings over the nose and mouth
- Implementing a social distancing policy
- Discouraging the sharing of equipment
- Performing regular equipment wipe downs
- Performing daily sanitization of common areas, equipment, and personal items of clothing
- Providing facilities for hand washing
Heightened risks due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic that is still in full force in many parts of the world significantly increases the level of risk in construction workplaces. Apart from addressing the risks inherent in the construction industry, contractors and project managers need to implement measures that ensure the health and safety of construction personnel.
We’ve already touched upon some essential precautions, including performing temperature checks, setting up washing stations, implementing social distancing, requiring masks, and wiping down equipment periodically. All of these can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and spread.
Apart from these measures, employers should also inform workers about the latest developments in the pandemic and educate them on health and safety practices. Doing so will help ensure the workers’ health and safety and possibly reduce employer liability.
Contractors, project managers, and building owners may also want to look into current COVID-19 guidelines pertaining to the construction industry. OSHA’s COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce and the CDC’s article What Construction Workers Need to Know about COVID-19 are especially relevant and helpful resources.
Summer-specific construction concerns
Even without the threat of COVID-19, the typical construction workplace is rife with risks and hazards that could put workers at risk. Furthermore, many of these could make building owners, contractors, and project managers liable for claims and lawsuits.
Here are some safety measures that employers could implement during summer construction projects:
Schedule open-space work for early morning or late afternoon. Avoid having construction personnel work under direct sunlight during the hottest times of the day. Instead, organize the schedule so that these tasks take place in the early morning or late afternoon when there is less risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion.
Ensure that workers are hydrated throughout the day. Encourage workers to hydrate constantly throughout the day. They should be allowed to drink fluids as often as necessary without having to take a break. It is also a good idea to make drinking water readily available instead of caffeinated or sugary drinks.
Allow for regular rest and meal breaks. Schedule regular meal and rest breaks as well. It might be better to have a few short breaks throughout the day instead of a single long break at lunch. This could encourage workers to take smaller meals instead of having a heavy lunch that will slow them down in hot weather.
Rest breaks should be part of the daily schedule. Make sure to provide shaded areas where workers can cool off and take a breather.
Encourage the use of sun protection. Whether you require workers to wear uniforms or allow them to wear what they choose, encourage lightweight, breathable fabrics in light colors. The use of sunscreen and head covering should also be encouraged.
Implement safety and well-being checks. Always check on your workers to ensure that they aren’t dehydrated or overheated. In addition, supervisory personnel should be aware of heatstroke and heat exhaustion symptoms and know what to do when they detect the signs. It’s also a good idea to have protocols in place for providing immediate care and transport to sick or injured workers.
These safety tips can help you avoid costly liabilities arising from worker claims and lawsuits. But, more importantly, they will help ensure the continued safety and well-being of your construction personnel. In some cases, they may even save a life!
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.