Safety Tips for Construction Workers

Generally house owner / Builder / Architect feels that the contractor will be responsible for the safety of labor or any mishap after assigning construction work to him. But in fact the law does not spare house owner or the builder for any mishap either due to ignorance or faulty working procedure by labor contractor.

There are many cases of fatal incidence which occur due to not following safety in construction works. Working as a construction worker is much like being a superhero. Every day, you’re tasked with bearing heavy loads and using ultra cool equipment and tools. For smooth completion of construction work and to avoid any mishap, we should follow necessary construction safety measures.

Riding in cranes and squatting on scaffolds put you so high in the sky that you almost feel like flying. But the same things that make construction job extraordinary could put you in a lot of stress. If you’re not too careful, you’d likely meet injuries along the way.

Fortunately, there are some safety measures you can follow to avoid common stress and injury in construction sites. Here they are:

1. Protect your Back.

It’s easy to get injured by carrying heavy loads, and back aches are every construction worker’s number one enemy. It’s not that hard to avoid this hazard altogether.

Tip to remember: 
1) Remember to always bend your knees and to avoid twisting to the side when lifting. To maintain balance, put one foot slightly in front of the other.

2) Back Exercise plays an important role for a worker to keep going. 
Bingo!! 
Follow the above tips and we are sure your back is safe.  

2. Choose your tools correctly. Think Twice...

To avoid accidents in the workplace resulting from the incorrect use of hand tools, it is important for workers to understand the proper use of these items. Tools are supposed to make your life easier. Of course you know this but still you find yourself reaching out for the same hammer that puts a strain on your hand or those pliers that always slip from your grip. Managers and department leads should encourage employees to discuss their concerns about the dangers involved with using hand tools. During the session, have each employee practice the correct methods for operating hand tools. It is important that everyone has an opportunity to use the tools in the practice session. Have exercises prepared in advance that will allow each employee to use the hand tools in the shop area. Demonstrate the proper care and storage of the tools. They should also consider both left-handed and right-handed workers when selecting tools.

"Hand tools are extensions of our hands. When we misuse our hands, we experience pain. When we misuse hand tools, the possibility of injury to ourselves or people working around us."
 
Tip to remember: 
1) Using the correct tool for the job is the first step in safe hand tool use.  If you use your screwdriver as a chisel, you can’t expect it to be in good shape when you actually need to drive a screw. Use tools only for their intended purpose. Also, make sure that power tools you choose for workers not only have lower vibration but have a long trigger. 

2) In the case of hand tools, employers or safety coordinators must choose those that need less force to use and do not strain the hand when you hold them tight. Hand tools must also be balanced and do not conduct heat or electricity.

Cheers!! You've just made yourself more efficient and safe with the above tip. 

3. Avoid squatting for long.

Avoid squatting or kneeling when you have to work at lower levels. By sitting on a stable stool, you avoid straining your knees and waist.

4. Do not stress your wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Same goes with your arms. Otherwise, by the end of the shift, your body will be suffering from swelling, tingling, strains and pains. If things get worse, you could develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tip to Remember:

1) Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers acutely as if they are in a hand-stand position. Hold for a count of 5.

2) Let your arms hang loosely at the side and shake them for a few seconds.

Kudos!! You've just saved your wrists..




5. Balance the weight of your tool belt.

Tool belts sure are small and handy but they have the ability to pull your body out of alignment. That is unless you keep its weight balanced. If you find that one side of your belt is heavier than the other, then make the necessary adjustments by transferring tools to the lighter side.