How to Keep a Construction Site Safe

The safety of construction sites is among the commonly overlooked areas in many projects today. What most people do not know is that construction sites are hotbeds for some of the most life-threatening injuries and accidents. As such, safety is a critical aspect that must be given top priority for the success of every construction project. The following are some useful safety tips for construction sites. 

Awareness 

Most construction site workers often end up with injuries simply because they do not know the safety hazards in such environments. For safety, it is always important that anyone setting foot onto the construction site is fully aware of the potential risks. When workers know about the hazards at the site, they can safely navigate them to avoid putting lives at risk. Site managers should update their workers on the potential hazards as the project progresses. 

Safety Training 

Although a lot can be learned on the job, safety training is mandatory for all construction site workers including skilled and unskilled laborers. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration stipulates the various areas that must be covered in the safety training of construction site workers. Consistent safety training for the workers will ensure that they know how to identify and mitigate various risks at the construction site. 

Safety Gear and Equipment

Even if construction site workers are fully aware of the hazards and how to mitigate them, they still need the right safety gear and equipment to prevent unnecessary accidents. Depending on the particular construction activities, there is basic safety gear that the workers must have including helmets, reflectors, gloves, and eyewear, boots, and communication gadgets among others. 

There is so much more to construction site safety than just awareness, safety training and gear. Other considerations that you should also keep in mind to ensure safety at your construction site include proper documentation, innovation, and supervision. While there is no guarantee for safety at construction sites, the above tips can help you to significantly reduce injuries and accidents.  If you need to double check anything or confirm updating safety testing, check out the OSHA article here.

How to Keep a Construction Site Clean

An untidy and disorganized construction site is not only an eyesore but, could also impact serious safety risks. Keeping your construction site clean will enhance the aesthetics as well as ensure greater convenience and safety for the workers. To achieve that, the following are key guidelines on how to keep a construction site clean. 

Separate the Scraps from Usable Materials 

One of the ways to keep the construction spaces tidy is by separating the scraps from the usable materials for disposal. Consider the recycling requirements when doing the selection of materials to discard. Some of the construction materials that can be recycled include wood and concrete. So, carefully identify and keep the piles separately. 

Conduct Regular Site Cleaning 

Although workers are always advised to be responsible, you will still end up with materials thrown all over. Thus, you should also assign workers to regularly clean the construction site by removing hazards like electrical cords, litter and excess debris. Any protruding nails and wires should also be eliminated or safely tucked up. 

Keep Trashcans or Dumpsters at the Construction Site 

Having trashcans and dumpsters at the construction site will give the impression that you are serious about maintaining a clean workspace. They will offer convenience in the disposal of wastes, and scraps. Besides, you can also use the dumpsters to hold the materials to be recycled away from the site. 

Keep the Workspaces Clear 

If the work areas are kept clear, even the workers will have no reason to throw things anyhow. It is advisable to designate specific walkways and areas to keep materials during construction to avoid congestions that could impact accidents. Make sure that the work areas are free from any hazards. 

The cleanliness of your construction site is critical to the safety of workers and the success of the project. The above tips will help you to maintain a clean working environment for a safe and successful construction project. 

6 Qualities of the Top Construction Company to Hire

Whether it’s your home, a new facility for your business, or even a larger commercial project, the building contractor you hire will either make or break your construction project. Hiring the wrong construction company can lead to poor quality work, delays, and even legal issues. You want to be proud of the new home or office once the project is complete. It’s, therefore, important that you find the right contractor for your project. Here are some of the most important qualities to look out for when hiring a contractor for your construction. 

Credentials 

Does the contractor have the relevant licenses, registrations, and trainings to perform the job effectively? This should be the first thing you ask about. A company that doesn’t have the necessary credentials isn’t worth your time, effort, and money. Having these credentials means they are professional and reliable. Be sure to verify them before hiring the contractor. 

Goodwill and Reputation

Don’t be so quick to select a construction company. Take time to conduct market research and analysis. Otherwise, how will you determine whether or not they are reliable and dependable? Asking for recommendations from friends and family is a good start but make sure the contractor provides you with a list of their former clients. If they aren’t willing to share information about their past clients or projects, walk away. 

Expertise and Experience

The company’s level of expertise can be seen from their registration, license, accreditation, credentials, trainings, awards, and distinctions. They shouldn’t just talk of their expertise but be able to back up and verify those claims with tangible proofs. Experience is also an important factor when choosing a construction company. An experienced contractor, and one who has successfully handled similar projects in the past, is likely to complete your project successfully. 

Timely Project Delivery

Every construction project is supposed to have a commencement date and a targeted date of completion. A reliable contractor should be able to deliver your project as at when due. Avoid any construction company that has failed in this area before. Find an experienced contractor that deliver its given projects in time without compromising on quality. 

Sound Management Team

It’s is beneficial to know the company’s pas work as you’ll have an idea about their management skills. A good company always maintains excellent communication with its client. Furthermore, decisions are made by a team of experts and not an individual. Sound management ensures your project is completed on schedule, within budget, and without any drawbacks. 

Rich Portfolios

As mentioned, you should find a company with vast experience in the construction industry. An experienced company will have a rich portfolio of past executed construction projects. Take time to explore the company’s previous and ongoing projects so you can know their quality of work. 

When it comes to pricing, it’s best you obtain quotes from several contractors so you can compare and find your optimal price range. Keep in mind that the lowest bid isn’t always the best deal. On the other hand, the highest bid may not necessarily mean above average quality. Find the contractor with the best quality service at a reasonable price.