Category: Construction Safety

Importance of Construction Equipment Maintenance

by Chris

Preventative rather than reactive maintenance of construction equipment is vital. It not only prevents heavy equipment failure but is cost-saving too. With proper preventative maintenance rather than average maintenance repair costs could be reduced by as much as 25%. It also means that your expenses are more predictable as there would be fewer unexpected breakdowns, meaning less downtime and less lost revenue. The cost savings keep coming as the improved maintenance will mean the machine will have improved longevity and work better. It also means that you won’t have a machine operator either sitting around idly or doing menial tasks while waiting for the machine to be repaired. 

Equipment that is correctly maintained will be more reliable and safer. A sudden component failure could mean an environmental hazard or injury to the machine operator or anyone else close by. Not to mention potential damage to other machinery.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme

by Chris

The Considerate Constructors Scheme regularly monitors construction sites. It gives independent assessments on Enhancing the Appearance, Respecting the Community, Protecting the Environment, Securing Everyone’s Safety, and Caring for the Workforce.

These help companies meet the guidelines for the above and address any shortfalls in good practice.

Annual awards are then held to present Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to those companies that hit certain levels. Many companies support this scheme as they can advertise their score and any awards they earn and take advantage of the independent assessments to improve their business and training plans.

The companies registered with the CCS strive to minimise any negative impact that construction activity may have on neighbourhoods whilst trying to leave behind long-lasting benefits that enhance communities

Keeping your Construction Site safe at Night

by Chris

Thieves think that construction sights are easy targets due to their lack of security.  There have even been instances where thieves have walked onto a site dressed as workers and walked off with equipment in broad daylight.  So how do you keep your tools and equipment safe at night?  Here are a few helpful tips to help you keep your site secure.

Keep your construction site illuminated even when you are not there. This will deter thieves who like to be unseen.

Try not to keep excess material onsite, as this can be tempting to someone looking to make money fast if you can arrange to deliver material when you need it.

Lock small tools and valuable equipment away in secure storage on site.  If you are using sub-contractors, ensure they take their equipment away with them each night.

Install mobile CCTV onsite and ensure there is clear signage around the site.  Signage alone can deter a would-be thief alone.  If it doesn’t, you may be able to ID the person via the CCTV camera footage.

Staying safe on a construction site

by Chris

When going onto a construction site, you must stay safe and protected and comply with the law.

Protect your head and your feet
Working on a construction site is dangerous, so a yellow hard hat must be worn to protect you from falling debris and other hazards.  Steel top-cap boots or shoes are also essential.  Suppose you did try to get onto a site without these. In that case, the likelihood is you will be sent away as you are not wearing the correct personal protective equipment  (PPE).

Be aware of your surroundings
Stay alert at all times on a construction site.  There are potential risks everywhere, and more accidents occur when people are not paying attention.

Using power tools
When using power tools, wear additional PPE like gloves and safety glasses.  We recommend also wearing earplugs so that the prolonged noise of a construction site does not damage your hearing.

2 reasons why you’re not cut out to work in construction

by Chris

Working in construction is not an easy ride, and there may be plenty of reason as to why you’re not cut out for it, such as:

You’re not prepared for the physical aspect

If you’re not feeling fit and strong then working in construction may not be ideal. No matter what job you hold in construction, there will be times when you need to chip in and show some strength, whether that be lifting a load, moving heavy items by hand or spending days on the move, not sat down at all.

You’re not multi-skilled or mechanically minded

Construction is not for everyone. If you have a mechanical mind and have a natural interest in understanding how things work, it may be for you, but if you’re the opposite, you may find one thing goes in the ear and out the other, and coworkers may soon lose patience if you’re not showing a good level of what they would call ‘common sense’.