OSHA Defense
Essential Elements of a Safe Job Site
Many things are happening on busy construction sites from vehicular traffic to tons of material being lifted by cranes to electrical cable being laid throughout a structure. Construction sites are prone to serious accidents and injuries, so safety must be prioritized properly by supervisors, safety crews, and every team member working on the construction site.
The most dangerous and frequently occurring accidents on construction sites include falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and being caught-in/between accidents. Nothing should be more important than getting your crews home to their families. Today, our Lakeland construction attorneys are sharing some essential tips for keeping your job site safe.
A Comprehensive Safety Plan
Every construction site is different, yet each has its own unique set of risks and hazards that require a comprehensive safety plan to prevent accidents from happening. Every workplace safety plan should address the hazards specific to that site. The policy should be in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations and should describe physical and health hazards in the workplace, procedures to prevent accidents, and steps to take when accidents occur. For assistance with OSHA workplace safety and compliance, consult with a Lakeland construction attorney from Cotney Construction Law.
Contractor Safety Handbook
Every construction site should make a contractor safety handbook available to all employees. The handbook should describe the minimum expectations for safe work activities of employees working on the job site. Prior to working onsite, anyone under contract with your company should read your handbook and understand the environment, workflow, schedule, and any other site requirements.
Toolbox Meetings
With so many people working on a job site and so many things happening all at once, it is not uncommon for working conditions to change frequently. It is critical that every team member understands what is happening on the job site and that they understand the company’s safety expectations. Holding weekly toolbox meetings will help keep safety a top priority. In these meetings, new codes and regulations are discussed, new safety requirements are reviewed, and any safety issues and mistakes are addressed. Common toolbox topics also include fire and electrical safety, hazard communication, workplace stress, and housekeeping, to name a few.
If you would like to speak with a Lakeland construction lawyer, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.