Contractors and those working in the construction industry face unique challenges that require a different approach to safety. The nature of the work, its scale, and the environments in which it is carried out all contribute to increased risk. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the safety of all individuals involved in these operations.
Merely understanding the best working practices is not enough to ensure safety in the construction industry. It is a continuous effort that demands your unwavering commitment to reducing employee accidents every single day.
Statistics show that employees in construction are more likely to suffer workplace accidents, and in 2022/23, 135 people died after accidents at work, and 64,000 people are injured in this sector each year on average.
Workplace accidents can have a profound impact on the individual involved, ranging from physical and emotional trauma to financial strain. The severity of the incident can lead to significant costs for the company, potential legal actions, and even the loss of contracts, which could threaten the survival of the business.
With this in mind, how can you ensure you reduce the number of workplace accidents in construction or when hiring contractors and mitigate the risk where possible?
Be Insured
Legally, you are required to have employer liability insurance, and on top of this, you need to have a multitude of different insurance premiums in place whether you’re employing construction workers or you are a contractor. You need specific trade alliances such as electrical contractors insurance or Roofers Insurance; public liability insurance is also a good idea, as well as business interruption insurance in the event you need to shut down after an accident.
Check Qualifications
In this industry, certain tasks require a specific level of training and experience to ensure legal compliance and safety. It’s crucial to verify the qualifications of every individual performing these tasks, whether they’re a time-served electrician or have forklift training. While some roles can be learned on the job, it’s essential that those with specific qualifications are identified and their credentials verified before they commence work.
Training
Health and safety training is vital. Construction and working as a contractor brings so many more risks than other sectors, and as such, each person working in this area needs to fully understand and appreciate the risks involved and how their actions impact others around them. In the first instance, they need to know basic health and safety rules such as how to lift properly, maximum single person lifting weights, using the right safety equipment correctly, and the risks of the tools and equipment they’re using. From here, you can train each person in the more specific risks they might face during their working day and ensure they know how to reduce or eliminate the risk, be aware of other indirect risks, and engage with others to ensure everyone’s safety.
Ensuring the safety of your contractors and construction crew demands a proactive approach. By implementing stringent controls and measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and accidents, creating a safe working environment. The more proactive you are, the better equipped you’ll be to mitigate potential risks and lower the rate of workplace incidents for your business.