National Safety Month (NSM) is an annual month-long observance in the United States during the month of June. During National Safety Month, the importance of safety is elevated to encourage individuals and organizations to proactively participate in activities and programs to reduce injury and accidents in the workplace.
We all know construction sites are dangerous locations to work. Construction sites take safety very seriously and recognize there are many areas that can be considered hazardous.
Organizations that have a quality and informative safety program can dramatically decrease the risk of work-related injuries and accidents. Over the next several weeks, we will discuss several topics about the importance of being safe every day.
Construction sites are full of hazards that can cause serious injuries or death unless proper precautions are taken. A blind spot is the area around a vehicle or a piece of construction equipment not visible to the operator, either by direct line-of-sight or indirectly by internal and external mirrors.
Construction equipment is typically large and has an enclosed cab. This can make the blind spot areas around the equipment large and hard to see. The bigger the equipment, the larger the blind spots or hazardous areas for ground workers.
Backing up large machinery can be extremely hazardous. Backing accidents account for approximately 50% of all injuries involving construction equipment. The primary cause of worker injuries in the construction industry is being struck by construction equipment. It is important to stay alert and do not underestimate the risk on a construction site.
The areas directly in front or behind trucks and large equipment should always be considered prohibited zones. Do not walk in front or behind the equipment unless you receive verbal and visual communication from the operator that it is safe to do so. Here are some simple rules to follow while on a construction site:
- Position yourself so that you have peripheral vision of the entire area. Do not stand in shadows or in areas where you may be hard to see.
- Create a routine to glance around in all directions for awareness of surroundings.
- Always wear your PPE and appropriate high‐visibility vest that comply with industry standards. Keep vest closed in front and on sides to ensure visibility.
- Listen for back-up alarms, horns or other signals that may be warning you of nearby vehicles.
- Finally, always make eye contact with workers who may be operating machinery of vehicles in the area.
Overall, safety on a construction site is crucial for protecting workers from injuries. A frequent practice is to invest in safety training and initiative-taking processes that will dramatically create a safe work environment for all. KCI takes safety seriously. Our team will always perform stormwater inspections safely by staying visible and aware. Call us today 888-346-7779.
