Construction sites are known as one of the most hazardous workplaces. In the UK, 51 deaths occurred in the construction industry for the year 23-24, which is more than double the number of fatalities in any other industry. This alarming statistic underlines the urgent need for strict health and safety measures to be properly implemented and followed on construction sites.
Ensuring that health and safety practices are implemented correctly is imperative. It is not good enough to provide the training alone. Companies and employers need to work to ensure that employees are using these safety practices in their routines at work. A proactive approach to health and safety can significantly reduce workplace accidents and fatalities.
Introduce Mandatory Routine Checks
The first step you can take is to increase the amount of inspections conducted on the construction site. Inspections help to ensure that safety guidelines are being adhered to at all times. It is essential to have supervisors or safety officers regularly assess working conditions, inspect equipment, and monitor whether employees are following safety protocols.
Don’t allow any room for error or misjudgment. By having a manager or designated safety personnel constantly on-site, you can ensure that operations run smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
There should be a clear schedule for safety inspections. Conduct unannounced spot checks to reinforce the importance of staying safe at work. Documentation of these inspections should be maintained to track compliance and improvement over time.
Take Advantage of Modern Technology
We now live in a world that revolves around technology, and everyone has a smartphone. There is no reason that the construction industry shouldn’t be taking advantage of this opportunity.
In addition to mandatory training at work, you should introduce some resources for your employees on their mobile phones. The app YOUFactors provides digital learning courses that help to minimise human error and reduce mistakes made in the workplace.
Encouraging employees to engage with content like this is beneficial for your company. They can implement habits in their work routine that will help to reduce acts of carelessness and sloppiness at work.
Encourage Open Communication
Listening to your employees and trying to understand their concerns or opinions about safety practices on the site is crucial. Some may even have suggestions on how to improve how things are done. Building a safe environment for employees to speak up could save lives.
Setting up a structured feedback system allows employees to report any safety hazards or suggest improvements. Some employees may be afraid to speak up. You can keep this anonymous by using online suggestion boxes. This will ensure all voices in the company have the opportunity to be heard.
Implement a Reward System for Safety Compliance
Positive reinforcement can be an effective strategy for promoting a safety-conscious work environment. Recognising and rewarding employees who adhere to safety guidelines will encourage other employees to follow suit.
Introducing simple incentives like a half day, a small bonus, or even a company-sponsored outing, for completing a project with no incidents, will encourage employees to comply with all safety rules.
Making use of non-monetary incentives, such as public recognition or career advancement opportunities, will also encourage long-term safety engagement. Showing appreciation, like this, to your employees will instil a sense of pride in the work that they do.
Provide Refresher Training Sessions
Investing time and capital into training your employees as best you can will have a positive impact on productivity and fostering a safe workplace environment.
Most employees complete health and safety training when they start working, and rarely complete any more. Implement a system whereby you host health and safety refresher training sessions to encourage employees to refresh their memory on safety guidelines on-site. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK provides extensive laws and regulations to be followed. Use their website to provide resources for your employees in these sessions.
Fostering a safety culture on-site will ensure long-term productivity and success for your company. Ensuring your employees are involved in adhering to safety guidelines at work will significantly reduce the risk of accidents or fatalities. Don’t wait for something to happen to implement change. Start today.
