by Mark Brandon is your go-to guy when it comes to home renovation and inspection. He shares his expertise to people through a variety of blogs like Safe and Sound Property Inspections. In this article he shares some basic safety tips for construction workers.
Construction workers are like superheroes. Each day, they are assigned extraordinary tasks that normal people don’t usually do. They bear heavy loads and use super cool tools and equipment. They ride cranes and balance on high scaffolds, making them feel as if they are flying. However, there are some important things that should be taken into consideration in this bizarre job.
Once construction workers don’t take caution, injuries and accidents are most likely to happen. Luckily, there are several safety measures that can be followed in order to avoid any construction problems. Here are some:
1. Lift Objects The Right Way
Back pain is among the primary enemies of a construction worker. Although it is easy to get injuries by simply carrying heavy loads, it is not that difficult to prevent them from happening.
Basically, when lifting, always try to bend the knees. Also, as much as possible, avoid twisting it to the side. But, if you wish to keep your balance, place your foot about one foot in front of the other.
2 .Use The Right And Efficient Tools
It is a universal truth that tools are created to make life simpler and easier. But still, there are times when a construction worker finds himself reaching out for a certain tool that puts a strain on the hand. Or maybe he sees himself taking a hold of those pliers that eventually slips from his grip.
Though you cannot really notice this, most of the time, inefficient and poorly-designed tools may potentially trigger conditions like tendonitis, white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger.
Whether you believe it or not, many electronically powered tools can also cause serious problems due to excessive noise and vibration. For this reason, many employers are making it a habit to use tools that do not just have lower vibration, but also have a long trigger. When selecting tools, they even consider whether their workers are right-handed or left-handed.
3. When Working Lower Levels, it is best to sit down
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If you have to work at an extremely low level, it is best that you avoid kneeling and squatting. If possible, sit down on stable stool. This way, you are able to avoid putting strain on your waist and knees.
4. Keep Your Arms Calm
Sometimes, construction workers are assigned literally heavy tasks, such as carrying heavy loads, being exposed to strenuous activities, or maybe simple home improvement projects. As a result, they suffer pains, strains, tingling, and swelling by the end of the shift. If the arms are not calm or neutral, there are possibilities that a carpal tunnel syndrome will develop.
5. Make Sure The Weight of The Tool Belt Is Balanced
Even if tool belts come handy, there are chances that they will affect the body’s alignment. But, if construction workers keep their balance, the body posture will never be affected. So, if you ever notice that one side of the belt is a bit heavier than the other, always make the necessary adjustments. Transfer the other tools to the lighter side to maintain balance.
6. Stay Away From Toxic Materials
When working with bridges, elevated highways, tunnels, and house floorings, construction workers are exposed to old paint that contains lead. If assigned in any of these work areas, make sure you have your blood lead level checked constantly. In case any sign of complications appear, talk to the employer right away.
In addition to that, it is highly-suggested not to breathe in the asphalt fumes. Though workers are exposed to these harmful fumes when waterproofing and roofing, with personal protective equipment, inhalation of fumes is reduced.
7. Watch Out For Live Wires.
