Four simple tips for preventing job site injuries.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 150,000 injuries occur on construction job sites each year. That’s despite many companies investing tens of thousands of dollars in safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Though there’s no way to prevent accidents and injuries entirely, there are steps you can take to keep your employees safe. With the summer building season around the corner, there’s no better time to take action. Implementing a few simple changes can keep your team healthy and out of the emergency room.

1.) Inspect each job site for potential hazards. Whenever you start work on a new project, take the time to inspect the area for potential hazards. Depending on the type of construction you do, that might mean inspecting for asbestos, live electrical wires or leaking pipes. If you notice anything that could put the health or safety of your team at risk, stop work and correct the issue immediately.

2.) Encourage defensive driving. Many construction jobs have cranes, bulldozers, trucks, and other vehicles on-site. Make sure everyone operating these pieces of machinery has the necessary paperwork, including a commercial driver’s license and proof of a negative drug test. Encourage team members on the ground to pay attention to their surroundings and make sure all of your operators know how to drive defensively.

3.) Use construction equipment the right way. Every single piece of construction equipment comes with an extensive user manual. Before firing up a new tool or piece of machinery, take the time to read the manual from front to back. If you have any questions about its proper application, contact the manufacturer before moving forward.

4.) Hold regular safety meetings. When you do the same thing every day, it’s easy to get complacent. But too often, complacency leads to accidents. If your team is responsible for high-risk work that involves scaffolding, high voltage electrical applications, or the use of power tools, start each day with a meeting that provides basic safety reminders. For less dangerous work, a meeting once a week or every other week should suffice. If team members have questions, take the time to answer them and then refer them to the OSHA safety posters on the job site.

Construction is dangerous work, but it doesn’t need to be deadly. By following these four simple tips, you can reduce the risk of injury and complete your job on time and on budget. As an AGC Washington member, you have access to a variety of safety benefits. Click here to learn more.