Also, safety is a vital part of finishing your project on or under budget. Downtime is costly, as is finding replacement workers when someone cannot do their job after an accident. Worker’s compensation claims and lawsuits can drive up your insurance costs. Focusing on safety helps keep your costs low.
Not only does safety on construction sites protect your workers, but it also keeps the public safe. Construction sites are usually located in busy areas where the general public is coming and going. Inadequate safety protocols can allow objects to fall on innocent bystanders, putting people not even connected to the project at high risk.
Not only does construction site safety decrease the risk of injuries to the public, but it also reduces the risk of work-related injuries and accidents. OSHA estimates that nearly a quarter of all work-related fatalities occur in the construction industry, and many more injuries that do not lead to death occur as well. Falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, or being caught in between equipment, are the four most common causes of accidental deaths and other injuries. Having a culture of safety reduces the risk of these types of accidents.
Construction site safety is paramount in minimizing hazards such as electrocution, a risk common where electrical installations like custom wire harness systems are involved. Ensuring proper installation and usage of these components isn't just a matter of compliance, but vital for worker protection. Understanding their role and how to implement them safely can significantly reduce workplace accidents.
When an accident occurs that causes an injury or death, work stops. The severe nature of these accidents require investigation, and work cannot continue while the research is underway.
Construction site accidents also drive up the overall cost of your project. Often equipment or supplies are damaged, and your overhead will increase. For injured workers, worker’s compensation claims can increase total operating costs. If the person injured is not part of the construction company, a lawsuit is likely. Keeping the construction site safe helps limit this risk, so your project can finish on time and budget.
Even if accidents do not occur, an unsafe workplace is a risk. OSHA and other regulatory agencies require specific standards of safety, both on the federal and state levels. If you do not adhere to these regulations, you are putting your company at risk because an unsafe work environment can lead to fines and penalties if your failures come to light. Following and exceeding current safety guidelines protects you against this genuine risk.
With the benefits of a focus on safety being quite obvious, it is time to take a closer look at your construction site to see if you are doing all you can to protect your company. To build a culture of safety, make safety requirements a condition of employment. Host regular training to ensure everyone understands your safety recommendations, and reward workers who regularly make safety a priority.
Safety on the construction site is vital to protecting workers, protecting the public, and keeping the job running on time. By creating a culture of safety in your company, you can protect yourself and your clients from these risks.
Nearby EngineersNew York Engineers has a MEP design track record of 1,000+ projects. Contact us via email (info@ny-engineers.com) or phone (786) 788-0295212-575-5300, and make sure your building systems meet codes.