Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. It’s hard work that often involves heavy machinery and hazardous equipment.
A lot of the injuries that happen on a construction site are slips, trips, falls, exposure to dangerous chemicals, and other mishaps that result from poor worksite management. It’s crucial for supervisors on construction sites to establish clear safety protocols to prevent clutter and debris and to eliminate hazards. In addition, poor housekeeping can result in material or equipment moving or falling in a dangerous manner.
What is Good Housekeeping?
Just like at home, it’s important to keep a construction site tidy. Good housekeeping on a construction site is crucial for worker safety. And it begins by keeping walkways and stairways dry and free of any debris that causes a tripping hazard.
Falls may result in severe injuries, and workers are often carrying large loads, tools, or sharp objects that make falls even more dangerous. Small things left behind can cause big problems.
Keeping the following types of objects out of walkways will make everybody a lot safer:
- Tools
- Wires
- Boards
- Gravel
- Lunchboxes
- Jackets
- Nails and screws
- Personal items
- Debris
- Garbage/refuse
- Work material
Creating a Culture of Safety on the Jobsite
Good housekeeping begins with the expectation that people will clean up after themselves. But it also requires effective planning, good communication, and constant vigilance. Supervisors and employees should be taught why good housekeeping is beneficial to their safety and what they can be doing to help protect everyone’s well-being.
Supervisors will want to remind teams, crews, and workers that they are expected to sweep up and eliminate hazards. But it’s also essential to have rules and procedures in place as part of a comprehensive safety plan which includes:
- Pre-construction risk assessment
- Regular safety meetings
- Mandated safety training
- Following OSHA guidelines at all times
- Regular safety inspections
- Designated safety teams to reinforce procedures
- Effective storage solutions for toxic materials
- Standard procedures for reporting injuries
Injuries Caused by Poor Housekeeping
Improving construction site workplace safety is good for everybody. Things are better when we all look out for each other. Let’s all do what we can to help prevent accidents that cause the following types of injuries and other negative consequences:
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Muscle strains and tears
- Cuts and lacerations
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Electrocution
- Loss of limb
- Internal organ injuries
- Crush injuries
- Wrongful death
- Injuries to knees, back, neck, and head
Were You Hurt on the Job in New York?
If you were injured on a construction site, contact the experienced New York on the job injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP.
Our team can help you get the best compensation to pay for your medical costs and other expenses such as time missed from work. We’ve won over a billion dollars in damages for our clients and we have a perfect 10.0 rating from Avvo.
Call (212) 986-7353 to schedule a FREE consultation today.