The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to the Indian economy after agriculture. The industry accounts for nearly 9% of the national gross domestic product(GDP) over many years now. According to Global Data, the construction industry of India has recovered some of its lost ground in 2018. The output value has increased from 464.9 billion dollars in 2017 to 505.7 billion dollars in 2018. So there are certain safety measures that construction companies should have in place.
Risks for workers in the construction industry
Despite being a highly significant industry, there is a slightly dark side too to this growing industry. Data shows people working in the construction industry are more prone to injuries and deaths than in any other sector in India. Hence owners of construction companies need to be cautious and ensure that they take care of the safety and health of their workers. Two things that can help construction businesses avoid negative outcomes in case of any mishaps are precautionary safety measures and financial security.
Safety measures for ensuring the safety of construction workers
Here are five precautionary measures that you can follow to keep your construction industry workers safe:
Ensure that your workers are wearing the correct protective gear
Wearing t PPE or personal protective equipment the right way is necessary for workers in the construction industry. Proper protective gear can make a difference between a minor injury and a serious or long-term injury. It’s essential to provide your workers and employees with proper PPE based on the type of work that they do. These include:
- Helmets
- Gloves
- Safety Boots
- Ear protection
- Safety goggles
- Knee pads and elbow guards
- Masks
- Hi-Vis jackets
- Safety harnesses
Make sure that your workers wear such protective gear at the workplace always. Also, if the protective gear becomes worn out or unfit for use, then it should be replaced immediately.
Arrange regular safety training sessions
Workers operating in medium or high-risk working environments are in huge numbers in the country. As is the case with construction site workers, these workers too should be given proper safety training. Provide your workers with all relevant information related to the site to make them fully aware of the risks associated with their work. Also, ensure that your workers are given proper training to work with heavy machinery or operate at heights or in confined spaces.
If you are installing a new machine, give out handbooks to workers to ensure that they know how to use new equipment as well. Moreover, if there is a particular working area with high levels of safety risk then provide proper instructions to your workers. Impart training to them on how they could operate safely, and what they can do if there’s an emergency.
Ensure that on-site first-aid treatment is available to your workers
Construction sites are usually prone to worker injuries. The best initial way to manage any injury is to provide first-hand treatment. Also, give workers an updated first-aid kit at the construction site. You can also hire a first-aid officer for your workers at the site. Keep the first-aid kit in an area that is accessible to all the workers.
Update your first-aid kit monthly or every 2-3 months. This is necessary to ensure that any expired medicines or band-aids that have lost their stickiness are removed within time. It should include:
- Disinfectant
- Burn ointment
- Painkiller pills and spray
- Bandages and band-aids
- The gauze of various sizes, and other similar products
Clearly, display signage to warn about dangerous areas
Construction sites are full of potential hazards. It is not only the workers but even people living around the site and visitors that are at high risk. It’s important to highlight any danger with posters and signs that will warn everybody nearby to take sufficient precautions. Signs such as turning vehicles, falling objects, or the presence of gas/chemicals are a good way to highlight the danger. These are cost-effective ways of reducing accidental risks.
Take advantage of new technologies
Technology has advanced tremendously in recent years. Almost everyone owns a mobile phone these days, with most being smartphones. There are mobile apps that can help you monitor your workers, and keep track of the activities done, and the risks involved. One way to ensure safety is to start using such advanced mobile apps to monitor workplace safety.
What else do you need as a part of the construction industry?
For all construction companies, maintaining the highest possible level of safety for construction workers is essential. However, you also need to ensure that a workplace hazard does not cause financial losses to you. While you cannot avoid uncertainties, you can still stay prepared for them by buying liability insurance to provide workers’ compensation benefits. This policy covers the worst-case scenarios of the on-spot death of a worker at a construction site. Furthermore, this policy also provides financial aid to his family.
We at SecureNow, provide quotes for worker’s compensation policies offered by different insurance companies so that you can choose what is best for you. Take care of your workers, and they will take care of your finances.
About The Author
Rahul Kumar
MBA Finance
With a wealth of experience in the insurance industry, Rahul is a seasoned writer specializing in articles related to workmen compensation policies (WC policies) for SecureNow. With 12 years of experience in the field, he has acquired in-depth knowledge and expertise in workmen compensation insurance, understanding its complexities and nuances. Their insightful articles provide valuable insights into the importance of WC policies for businesses and employees alike, offering practical advice and guidance on navigating the intricacies of insurance coverage. Trust him to deliver informative and engaging content, backed by years of experience and a passion for educating readers about insurance-related topics.
