6 Ways a Construction Management Company Ensures Job Site Safety in Brooklyn and Queens, NY
No matter the scope of a construction project, safety is always the top priority. Aspects that keep a business going such as material costs, labor costs, time allotments, reputation, and more always fall below safety of employees and others. In fact, all of these aspects of a project and overall business model should be planned around safe practices. Here are six ways a construction management company ensures job site safety in Brooklyn and Queens, NY.
Clear Markings and Signage
Communication is key for safety. Since many project sites are filled with noise and many employees will likely be wearing ear protection, this means that auditory communication will be impossible at times. Make sure that communication is visual as well: clear markings and signage must be clearly visible in all parts of the job site.
Hard Hats. Always.
The most vulnerable part of the human body is always the head. Any job-related injury to the head could result in permanent injury or death, so it’s crucial that a strict hard hat rule is always enforced. Any time an employee, contractor, client, inspector, or visitor is within the perimeter of the job site, they must have hard hat protection even when not standing near or under something potentially dangerous. Employ a no-tolerance policy to do due diligence in preventing accidents as much as possible.
Strict Security
The strict enforcement of secure premises must always be employed on the job site, especially during working hours. Untrained and un-escorted people on the job site are a hazard to their own health as well as the safety of the employees on site. Make sure that the company’s signage near the job site entrances clearly state that any unauthorized personnel must be escorted into the premises and accompanied at all times; and that they wear a hard hat. Make no exception to this rule as it could prove disastrous if not enforced.
Marking Underground Utilities
During the inspection and licensing process, the utility company informs the project management about the location of any buried or overhead utility lines. Once the soil has been disturbed, it’s up to the construction company to dig safely to prevent potentially disastrous accidents. This means constantly visible markings and careful planning in addition to clear communication as the project continues. A ruptured gas line or broken water main could prove immensely dangerous to human life and may cause the project to be unfinished or condemned, all with the company on the line for damages.
Catching Runoff and Preventing Erosion
Excavation projects require considerable care once the soil and underground structures have been uncovered and disturbed. The foundations of the building project will be the basis for future safety, so it’s crucial that part of the safety measures include creating runoff catchments and erosion prevention solutions. Rain runoff needs to be diverted away from the foundation as much as possible while the ground is unsealed. Erosion control blankets should be utilized to keep soil in its place. Excess runoff or erosion will, at best, delay the project or, at worst, make the project site too dangerous to continue work if cave-ins and slides are allowed to occur.
Preventing Fatigue and Stress
With all safety measures in place, it’s important to remember that many accidents are caused by fatigue or stress of workers. Make sure that the workers on the site aren’t overworked and are given plenty of time for breaks as well as easy access to restroom facilities. The happier the staff, the safer the job site.