Reddy Kancharla: How to Prevent Construction Accidents

To avoid accidents, injuries, and other health and safety problems in a construction site, here are general construction safety rules that must be followed to keep workers and visitors safe:

Follow signs.

Safety signs are tools the management uses to raise health and safety awareness and warn employees and visitors. Appropriately place them in multiple parts of the site where necessary, notes Reddy Kancharla. All workers must be familiar with construction safety tips and various signs: mandatory signs, prohibition signs, safe condition signs, warning signs, and firefighting equipment signs.

Provide clear instructions.

A site induction enables new workers to be familiar with site operations, says Reddy Kancharla. Toolbox talks are also a great way to relay health and safety instructions to the workforce. It is typically conducted daily before commencing work.

Keep the site tidy.

Ensure that dust, loose nails, debris, and stagnant water from backfilling and excavations are not just lying around the site, adds Reddy Kancharla. The construction site must be clean and remain clutter-free to prevent trips and slips.

Organize and store tools properly.

Ensure that tools are not lying around, and leave power tools and lights unplugged. Strictly following site rules will help prevent tools from getting damaged or causing injury to workers.

Use the right equipment for the task.

Often, accidents happen due to the misuse of a tool or equipment, notes Reddy Kancharla. Always use the correct tool to get the job done safely, and avoid using makeshift tools.

Set up safeguards.

One of the most effective ways to ensure safety on site is placing engineering controls such as fences and barriers. These will help protect people from hazardous areas with chemicals with toxic fumes or high-voltage electricity.

Do pre-checks on equipment and tools.

Before commencing work, ensure that essential equipment and tools are free of defects or damage.

For more discussions on the latest and upcoming trends in the construction industry, follow this Reddy Kancharla page.