When you show up for work every morning, you are probably not thinking about all the ways you could possibly be injured on the job. Maybe you’ve never considered the possible risks you face at work, or never thought about what you would do in the event of an accident. Regardless of the type of work you do, understanding how to stay safe at work is important.
Jobsite safety is particularly important in the construction industry. Employers are responsible for taking reasonable measures to protect the safety and well-being of their workers. You deserve to feel safe at work, and you should have access to the equipment and training you need to do your job safely.
Simple steps to better job safety
Building a workplace culture of safety is a big task, but there are simple steps that every employer can take to decrease the likelihood of on-the-job accidents and injuries. While every construction site is different, the following tips are helpful in virtually every type of environment that involves building, heavy equipment and physical labor:
- Effective risk management: Risk management is a crucial step in reducing jobsite accidents. Some ways that managers can do this is by effective safety training and regular safety meetings.
- Careful planning: Thoughtful planning is a sure way to decrease accidents. Planning through what types of equipment are necessary, the potential safety hazards and what type of training workers need is an important step.
From heavy moving equipment and to falls from heights, there are inherent risks associated with working on or around construction sites. Safety strategy should be a crucial part of the planning stage of any construction project. Before you start work on a new job or in a new role, you should have access to necessary safety equipment, and you should fully understand the plan your employer has in place to decrease risks.
In the event of an accident
Accidents do occasionally happen, and you have the right know what to do next in case you find yourself hurt on the job. Through workers’ compensation benefits, you have access to medical care, recovery of a portion of your lost wages and other types of support.
Construction workers may work in a risky occupation, but you still have the right to a reasonable expectation of safety. You may also pursue a workers’ compensation insurance claim after an on-the-job accident.