Construction is an ever-changing industry, and it takes effort to adopt new safety technologies and processes. Our workforce members are not primarily knowledge workers, but more like typical consumers, which makes advanced technology adoption more challenging.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled three simple cost-effective safety practices that you should consider adopting in 2021.
Establish Strong Safety Protocols via Checklists
Established and enforced protocols make a difference in job site safety; they produce safer conditions, creating a stronger work culture. The more employees follow procedure, the less risk there is for accidents.
A big part of safety protocols are simple checklists, rigorously followed. Construction safety shares many of the same issues as healthcare; A large number of people and potential safety events where one slip up can be disastrous. When we visit a doctor, do you ever notice how they ask you your name and birthday over and over? That’s a checklist to make sure the right person gets the right treatment. Safety checklists, followed redundantly, can make a big difference. (Interested readers can refer to The Checklist Manifesto.)
Our customers know that a company committed to safety is essential. Neil Serr, Director of Field Operations from Peacock Construction, said this about his company’s job site safety: “When you come to work, our goal is for you to go home the same way you came in – in the same condition. That’s how we want you to return home to your family.”
As the supervisor, it’s your responsibility to ensure that everyone who walks onto the job site is aware of the dangers that come with working on a construction site. Safety protocols can help drive that message.
Incorporate Toolbox Talks
Another cost-effective safety practice is the toolbox talk to “address hazards, share best practices and reinforce safety requirements” before employees start their shifts. The best time to deliver these talks is before work begins; doing so sets the tone for the day. As the supervisor, you can choose to discuss any safety topic and for as long as you would like, but the key is to be consistent and interactive.
Risks in the construction industry are unique because it’s always changing. There will always be new hazards to address, and it’s your job to let your workers know what the newest changes are. Speaking to employees for just 5 minutes a day results in hours of safety education in just one year. Keep those checklists updated and reinforce them daily.
As with other safety practices, keeping documentation of your discussions is helpful and can be referred to in the future. Build on toolbox talks and incorporate them every day.
Related Article: 4 Benefits of Eliminating Paper Records at Job Sites
Use Paperless Safety Tools
Safety practices can be too costly or too time-consuming, but they don’t have to be. Your time is valuable and making the switch to a digital solution will get you the best of both worlds. Using a digital safety tool, like Safe Site Check In, you can collect data from employees and visitors, and store it on the cloud to access whenever you need it.
Many of our customers say that a paperless tool saves time and effort, including Jim Hoolehan, President of Penntex Construction. “It’s allowed us to eliminate the paper-based sign-in process and gain additional insight into job site activity,” Jim told us. “We can more efficiently plan with the goal of maximizing project productivity.”
You can improve efficiency and profitability for your company with Safe Site Check In. Cost-effective safety practices don’t have to be painful.
Safe Site Check In is an easy, customizable visitor awareness and safety screening SaaS application and online visitor management tool. With just the simple scan of a QR code, your screening processes are now paperless. A new site can be ready to go within minutes. Our system is completely web-based and there are no mobile apps for workers or visitors to download, no software to install, and no training required.
Whether you manage a small office space, multiple construction sites, or a large commercial warehouse, you can easily screen and check-in subcontractors, vendors, and visitors. The Safe Site Check In webapp keeps management informed in real-time, with full job site visibility, accurate daily reporting, summary dashboards, and contact tracing in just minutes. Click here to start your risk-free trial today.
David Brian Ward is a CEO and Founder of Safe Site Check In LLC, a digital jobsite management platform launched in 2020 for the Construction industry. With over 40 years of experience in the technology industry, having launched and grown several successful companies. Mr. Ward is a now a SaaS entrepreneur and innovation leader in the Construction industry.