Contractors know and understand that the construction industry is inherently dangerous. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks construction in the top-tier of industries with the most fatal occupational injuries. In a recent year, there were more than 10 deaths per 100,000 employees.
To keep your work crews safer, here are five tips:
Insist workers wear proper safety gear
Think beyond regular hard hats and steel-toe boots. Today’s safety gear includes boots that protect the entire foot and “smart helmets” equipped with lenses and augmented reality to warn workers of potential hazards.
Investing in this gear can be costly, but is but a drop in the bucket when compared to paying out serious personal injury claims of workers.
Consider using drones
Drones can increase efficiency and assist with analyzing data and mapping. But they can also help contractors observe whether regulations are followed and safety standards met. They can also be part of an early warning system in the event of a problem.
Use safety apps
Your smartphone can be used to address safety issues on the job. One example is the FallSafety app. When workers operating at heights fall, an alarm sounds immediately. This early warning can bring medics to the site within minutes, potentially saving lives.
Remain compliant with safety rules
It’s never wise to be lax with workers’ safety. Closely following all regulations and guidelines keeps workers safer and companies out of court.
Have first aid supplies at hand
Having more than the basics on hand in your first-aid kit can make the difference between life and death for injured workers. From gel that stops major bleeds to defibrillation devices, when seconds count, this can save lives.
It’s always a good idea to have your legal counsel review your safety protocols to make sure that you are compliant with industry standards.