Construction sites: they are one of the most hazardous spaces to work in. But for so many Australians, construction sites are the daily norm. Hours upon hours are spent on construction sites across the country each day, and every one of those hours carries a different set of hazards. So make sure you and your team get home safely – learn about identifying hazards on a construction site. Because only when they are identified, can these hazards be addressed. Here are a few common hazards worth identifying on any construction site.
Physical hazards top the list of hazards on a construction site – here are some common examples
Physical hazards are the most obvious hazards on a construction site, but that doesn’t mean identifying them is always easy. Sometimes, these hazards are relatively subtle. They include, for example, noise, light, UV radiation and even air quality. A lot of these aren’t exactly visible, so identifying them requires an extra level of attention. If you are working with heavy machinery, make sure everyone is equipped with the right PPE gear. And always make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. If you’re exposed all day, make sure sunscreen is available. UV rays work slowly, but their future effects can be devastating. And, of course, don’t forget to look out for the more obvious hazards like traffic, heights, electrical hazards and so on. Always stay alert!
You should also work to identify chemical hazards on a construction site, including these
Chemical hazards can be devastating if they’re not identified and rectified quickly. Acidic and basic substances, gases, emissions and more are all present on a lot of construction sites. So how can you identify these hazards? Firstly, make sure all chemical agents are clearly labelled. Secondly, make sure none of their containers or tanks are in a compromised state. And thirdly, keep dust to a minimum where possible, and keep respirators close at all times! If in doubt, consult Work Safe for more information on common and uncommon chemical hazards.
Believe it or not, some construction sites have biological hazards – here’s what they look like
They may not be as common as some of the hazards we’ve listed so far, but biological hazards are a real threat! They take the form, more often than not, of mould, plants, and parasites. Generally, these types of hazards thrive below ground, in confined spaces where they can be inhaled. The best way to identify these hazards on a construction site is to rely on properly trained personnel to enter spaces in which such hazards are more likely to be. If there is anything suspicious, report it immediately and make sure the area in question is isolated from the other workers onsite.
Manual tasks and ergonomics are an often overlooked construction site hazard: here’s how to identify them
Construction and heavy lifting go hand in hand. That’s why one of the biggest hazards worth identifying on construction sites is ergonomics. Proper lifting technique is a must if your body is going to keep up with the demands of the job. So make sure everyone is educated in proper lifting, and supported by others when necessary.
Finally, don’t forget to look out for psychological hazards on the construction site and identify them quickly!
Finally, let’s look at the hardest hazards to identify on a construction site: mental health. It’s never easy to spot when a mate is doing it tough, but by keeping an eye out you can really make a difference. Make sure there’s always someone around for those in need, and always maintain a respectful and professional environment on the job. It can be a stressful job, so identifying psychological hazards on a construction site is vital.
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