One of the biggest misconceptions about the construction industry is that it’s dangerous.
In fact, this misconception is widespread enough to keep some people away from seeking jobs in the industry– even though working in construction is an excellent way to advance your career and earn a stable income.
How dangerous is construction?
Construction certainly has the potential to be dangerous– which is why proper training and workplace guidelines are so important and strictly enforced.
If construction workers are educated on the potential risks at a job site, and are prepared to safely handle any situations that might arise, the job is not a dangerous one.
We’ve compiled a handy list of dos and don’ts for construction sites, so you can be sure to adhere to workplace guidelines that keep you and your coworkers safe.
DO: Suit up
Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the very most important things you can do to stay safe on a construction site.
One example of PPE you might wear on a construction site: the hard hat. These hats have become synonymous with the construction industry for a good reason.
No matter what kind of job you’re working on, there’s always a chance that debris or other objects could fall on you– and if this happens, you’ll definitely be glad to have a protective hard hat!
Some other types of PPE you might be expected to wear on a job site include protective gloves, hearing protection (there will often be a lot of machinery operating at once, which can get pretty loud!), or steel-toed boots. Much like the way a hard hat protects your head, sturdy boots can protect your feet from any falling items.
DON’T: Give it a shot
There’s plenty of machinery present on most construction job sites. Much of this machinery requires specialized training to operate, and requires some experience and knowledge to efficiently use.
If you haven’t received the proper training, it’s not a good idea to get behind the wheel of any heavy machinery. Even if the task seems simple, by trying to use equipment you’re not trained to use, you’re putting yourself and your coworkers at risk.
DO: Follow the leader
At every construction site, there’s someone in charge. Typically, this person is referred to as the foreman, and it’s his job to make sure everyone’s doing their jobs correctly.
Defer to the foreman’s instructions and pay close attention to what he asks you to do, and you’re sure to enjoy a much safer and more productive work environment. The foreman will discuss any potential hazards with the crew, making sure that everyone is aware of the best safety practices– it’s very important to listen!
DON’T: Zone out
Paying close attention to what’s going on is absolutely essential on a job site. Make sure you’re completely aware of your surroundings at all times, and keep an eye on what your coworkers are doing, too– a second set of eyes could help prevent a workplace accident!
Don’t allow your mind to wander while you’re completing a task on a construction site. Even if the task is repetitive, it’s easy to slip up and injure yourself or others if you’re not careful.
DO: Work with a company who prioritizes safety
At Redstone, we believe we’re only as good as the people who make up our workforce. That means we truly value our team, and consider job site safety an absolute priority.
If you’re looking for a career at a company where your safety is valued, look no further than the Redstone careers page– and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any further questions you might have. We’d love to have you join the team!
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