In the construction world, project managers and crews face constant pressure to meet deadlines and stay within budget. Such demands often cause safety to be put on the backburner. As 2018 comes to a close and you begin thinking about 2019 projects, remember the importance of site safety.
Here are some strategies that can help improve health and safety efforts on the job site:
Set proper expectations
Safety should be made a priority before work even begins on a project. Set clear expectations at the beginning and make sure everyone understands their responsibilities. By following the outlined rules, procedures, and best practices, your team increases their chances of preventing an accident altogether.
Don’t just stop the safety efforts there, though. Get in the habit of conducting quick, yet thorough safety talks at the start of each workday. The more open discussion your team has, the more knowledgeable they will be regarding tools, equipment, materials, and processes.
Plan ahead
Want to ensure your team is set up for success each day? Then complete all approvals and other pre-work activities before moving forward. Other planning strategies include zoning, as well as staging and stocking each work area with the necessary tools, PPE, and equipment in advance.
It goes without saying to supply your workers with the right tools for the right tasks. Make your way around the job site and double-check that everyone understands how to operate the equipment they’ll be using. Lastly, eliminate any hazardous distractions and obstructions.
Take advantage of the latest technologies
There are times when a project manager has difficulty keeping everyone on the same page. That’s why we recommend investing in new technology for your projects. A combination of smartphones, tablets, and project management software can help bridge time and distance constraints, improving both efficiency and safety in the long run.
Have you been researching ways to have greater visibility of your site and workers? Consider wearable devices such as smart watches, glasses, and clothing. Not only will these devices alert managers about field activities/progress, but also track the locations of workers and procedures on-site.
Stay compliant with OSHA training
Think back to the last time your team completed an OSHA training course. Can’t remember? Then it’s probably time for a refresher.
Here at Menotti Enterprise in New York City, we recommend regularly reviewing your safety policy and training employees accordingly. The last thing you want to do is put your organization’s reputation at risk because it wasn’t current with OSHA standards.
Take a look at some of the OSHA courses we have to offer contractors:
- OSHA 10-hour Construction Industry
- OSHA 30-hour General Industry
- OSHA Ergonomics
- OSHA Ladder Safety
- OSHA Asbestos Awareness
- And others
Site safety is something we emphasize every day at Menotti Enterprise. With over 100 years of combined industry experience, you can count on us to reduce and prevent all associated liabilities of our clients. There’s never been a better time to invest in risk management in NYC.
Contact Menotti Enterprise.