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News Oct. 28, 2021

Tips to reduce accidents on job sites

Most incidents and accidents on construction sites are caused by human errors, according to constructionexec.com. To avoid these accidents, employers in the construction industry must learn how to prevent human errors.

Following are some methods to help eradicate or minimize human errors on the job site.

  1. Use standard operating procedures to standardize work. Ensuring consistency is one way to reduce human errors. A step-by-step workflow must be followed to make sure industrial standards and safety rules are met.
  2. Implement technology-based training. Human behavior is difficult to control. Employers can invest in training designed to prevent human error and accidents. Workers can gain technical skills via online training, and department leaders can use safety management software to track and analyze the causes that lead to human errors.
  3. Develop a strong safety culture. It encourages employee buy-in to safety measures and develops a sense of shared responsibility. A commitment from management is crucial; they must treat safety as a top priority. Workers also can be involved in developing safety regulations.
  4. Reduce workplace fatigue and stress. Fatigue—mental or physical—impairs construction workers’ ability to perform their tasks effectively and safely. Common causes of employee fatigue are night work, long hours, workload spikes, cold/heat, humidity and highly demanding repetitive work. Supervisors can reduce stress in the workplace by having a solid employee management strategy to manage workload dips and spikes; purchasing new (more ergonomic) equipment; monitoring employees’ workloads and talking about their stress; planning work hours so workers can take breaks and get adequate sleep; and educating employees about how to identify and manage fatigue.
  5. Use more ergonomic equipment. Accidents on construction sites can result from physical lifting, carrying, lowering, twisting and other activities. Ergonomic equipment reduces musculoskeletal problems and tiredness because it requires less physical effort and exertion for operating. Examples of ergonomic equipment in the construction industry include comfortable shoes with supportive insoles; power tools with a comfortable grip; glare-blocking, impact-resistant sunglasses; and various lift devices for lifting items on height.
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