The construction industry has many hazards and dangers. Most accidents that happen on a construction job site are caused by lack of training, lazines, or carelessness. All of which can be prevented by following required safety regulations.
A construction company is required to comply with many government regulations in addition to its own safety policies. Training employees in safe work practices is critical to the success of any company's safety program.
Hazard Recognition and Control
The foundation of a company's safety program is the ability to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards and risks on the job site. Hazard recognition should be the job of every employee. If an employee sees a hazard that can be immediately mitigated, he should do so. If it is something that cannot be immediately fixed, he should know to report it to his supervisor or safety technician.
Several tools enable employees to recognize hazards of jobs: Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Task Safety Analysis (TSA), Safety Inspections and Pre-job Planning Checklists. Employees should be trained in the use of these tools when applicable to their job and be required to use them.
Job Safety Analysis and Task Safety Analysis
A JSA, also known as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is an excellent tool for hazard recognition. The form is broken down into several elements and each step of the job. If a hazard is identified, it allows for controls to mitigate those hazards.
A TSA, also known as a Task Hazard Analysis (THA), is similar to JSAs as it breaks the job down into steps, enabling the employees to identify hazards during each step and to establish controls to mitigate hazards. The difference between the forms is that a TSA is usually preprinted with the steps of the task. If there are new hazards not identified on the form, they should be addressed to the supervisor and to the entire crew of the task.
JSAs and TSAs should be used for every job and each individual employee on the crew should participate in its completion or read the completed form. Many companies require that all crew members sign the completed form.
Hazard Communication and MSDS
Hazardous materials used incorrectly can cause devastating results. Many materials react violently with other elements. Corrosion, fire, and explosion are some of the reactions that can occur if hazardous materials are used incorrectly.
Hazard communication (HAZCOM) is an OSHA standard directing companies to communicate the hazards of chemicals and other materials used within their company. If an employee has the opportunity to be exposed to a material it is required that the company communicates its hazards to them.
Every material or compound used on a construction job site shall have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available for employees to read or review. MSDSs also contain manufacturer's contact information, possible reactions, emergency data, and first aid procedures. It is the employee's responsibility to become familiar with the MSDSs and to know where they are on each specific job site.
Accidents
Safety starts with each individual. Every employee's goal should be zero accidents on the job site. Accidents may result in injuries, which can be expensive and result in lost time by the employer and the employee. Engaging in an unsafe practice or accepting unsafe situations or conditions are the two primary reasons for accidents, according to the National Center for Construction Education and Research
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency under the Department of Labor that provides information guidance, and enforcement of safety policies. OSHA policies are called standards. There are General Standards (29 CFR 1910) and Standards that apply only to the construction industry (29 CFR 1926).
Safety Meetings
Safety meetings play a large role in communicating hazards and training individuals. Depending on your company and the hazards faced everyday, safety meetings can be held daily, weekly or monthly.
Discussions may include the immediate hazards to that job site, MSDSs, lessons learned, upcoming jobs or tasks, and any other pertinent information.
Toolbox or tailgate meetings can also be held by the foreman or immediate supervisor to a specific task or job.
Employee Communication
It is critical that employees are recognized for their accomplishments and disciplined fairly when necessary. The safety department must communicate with employees to ensure they know what is expected of them. Job site leadership should be approachable so the employee can easily communicate concerns or potential hazards related to the job.
Open communication allows people to speak honestly without fear of repercussions between all employees all the time. This type of communication makes even the shortest conversation understood and meaningful, increasing the safety of the job site considerably.
Tags: Safety Analysis, materials used, also known, Analysis Task, Analysis Task Safety, company safety, company safety program