The construction industry is a vital part of every growing economy. Yet, it’s also among the most dangerous. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in the United States alone, the construction sector accounts for more than 20% of all work-related fatalities.
Globally, these numbers might be even higher, as safety regulations and practices differ significantly between countries. There's a pressing need to educate and enforce safety measures within this workforce.
Safety is not only a moral concern; it’s also a practical one. Ensuring the well-being of workers can reduce workplace accidents, which can lead to costly delays, litigation, and damage to a company’s reputation.
This blog post is designed to provide essential safety measures for those operating within the construction industry, as well as outline our best practices as we continue to strive for the safest possible work environment.
Create a Safety-First Culture
Safety is a culture; it’s an intrinsic part of Action-Waco’s values that every member of the team should follow. To foster a safety-first environment, it has been crucial for our organization to start from the top down. It means that management commitment is non-negotiable. Leaders demonstrate their dedication to safety by investing in mandatory training, proper equipment, and providing access to resources.
A safety-first culture begins with comprehensive and ongoing training programs for all staff. Action-Waco’s safety culture is spear headed by John Royer, our Safety Director, rolling out best practices, tool box talks, articles, and hosting monthly meetings to branch Managers and Safety Officer’s (BSO’s). These meetings encompass not only the basics of safety, but also the hazards that may exist on the jobsite, branch facilities, and operations.
Furthermore, open channels of communication are key; from Branch Managers to newly hired workers, Action-Waco has empowered all to report unsafe conditions and practices through streamlined near miss and incident reporting; followed up with witness statements, coaching and thorough follow-up.
Regular safety meetings are hosted through daily toolbox talks, keeping all workers abreast of the latest safety concerns or protocols. Finally, leading by example is paramount—when workers see their supervisors and colleagues following safety procedures, they are more likely to do the same.
Conduct a Thorough Jobsite Hazard Analysis (JHA)
Before any work begins, a detailed risk assessment of the site must be carried out, also known as a JHA. Potential hazards need to be identified and evaluated, with measures in place to either eliminate or mitigate them. The checklist for a site assessment includes the following:
● Checking for unstable ground conditions or overhead structures
● Identifying potential exposure to hazardous substances
● Evaluating the potential for slips, trips, and falls
● Ensuring the availability and usability of necessary protective equipment
● Verifying that all equipment is in good working order
Our site assessments are ongoing, with regular inspections to update the assessment as conditions change by all workers. All equipment being erected for scaffolding must be inspected daily before work begins by our clients or after significant weather events that could alter the landscape or structural integrity of the job site.
Provide the Right Equipment and Tools
Scaffolding is impossible to erect without the right equipment, tools and knowledge. Proper personal protective gear (PPE), Hard hats, gloves, high-visibility vests, and steel-toed boots are just the beginning.
Ensuring each worker is equipped with personal protective equipment is foundational, but it's equally vital to consider the safety implications of the construction tools and machinery themselves.
Scaffolding, in particular, requires rigorous inspection and adherence to safety standards. This structure, often used for reaching heights, is a common site at construction projects and poses one of the greater risks if not properly set up, maintained, and used.
All scaffolding should be erected, moved, and dismantled by a competent person, following the OSHA guidelines are required by Action-Waco. Regular checks for structural integrity, stability, and secure attachment are essential to prevent a hazardous work environment.
By providing well-maintained scaffolding and ensuring that workers are trained in its safe use, Action-Waco built scaffolding for contractors can significantly reduce the risk of one of the industry’s most common accident - falls.
Train for Competency, Not Just Compliance
Training is a fundamental part of safety in construction, but it should extend beyond a mere formality. It’s about ensuring that every worker is competent to perform their job safely and efficiently to go home every night. The type of training required depends on the complexity of the task and the risks involved.
For new workers, Action-Waco onboarding includes E-1 modules and training for general safety practices and identifying key components used in the erection of scaffolding. For specialized tasks, specific training might be warranted. Action-Waco training is not a one-time event; ongoing education is necessary to maintain and enhance skills and awareness of our safe practices.
For training to be effective, it must also be practical. Simulated exercises can be invaluable in preparing workers to recognize dangerous situations before they arise. This ‘boots-on-the-ground’ approach is not only vital for an employee's safety, but it also improves the company’s safety record and reliability with clients and regulatory bodies.
Develop Emergency Response Plans
No matter how many precautions are taken, accidents can still happen. Every scaffold sales job must have a clear emergency response plan. It includes knowing emergency contact information, the location of first-aid stations, and the potentially life-saving directives that can save lives. The Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is critical in reviewing hazards, communicating crucial information, and recording key statuses.
For severe incidents, we have evacuation and contingency plan with muster place and reviewed regularly. This plan is posted and accessible in multiple locations throughout our facilities. In the event of a real emergency, these are important references.
Stay Up to Date With Safety Regulations
Construction is a field that is constantly evolving, with new materials, technologies, and techniques constantly being tested and introduced. Action-Waco remains informed about the latest safety regulations and trends within the industry in our vast territory.
Our dedicated Safety team remains engaged in industry-specific safety training and maintains an open dialogue with branch and team level safety professionals and regulatory bodies.
Action-Waco adheres to the latest safety standards, and not only ensures compliance with the law, but it also protects workers and our contractors from threats that can be avoidable.
Foster a Supportive Environment for Injured Workers
Despite the best preparations, accidents can occur, and workers can be injured. How a company responds to these incidents is as important as the measures taken to prevent them. Action-Waco embodies supportive policies for injured workers can significantly impact their recovery.
It all starts with having a system in place to report and document accidents. Action-Waco offers timely access to medical care, ensuring that injured workers are not penalized for reporting their injuries.
A supportive environment includes modified work, workers comp, as well as provisions for vocational rehabilitation or retraining if necessary.
Conclusion
Scaffolding will always carry some degree of risk, given the nature of the job. However, ensuring that proper safety measures are in place and adhered to can make the difference between a dangerous or deadly work environment and one that is both safe and productive.
By creating a culture of safety, remaining vigilant with assessments, providing adequate tools and training, developing emergency response plans, staying current with regulations, and supporting injured workers, Action-Waco will remain an industry leader in safety, protecting our most valuable asset — our people.
Remember, safety is not a concern for just one sector of the industry. It's a collective responsibility shared by all trades involved, from the manufacturers to the contractor, and extends through the entire workforce.
Every contractor must prioritize safety, and only through a holistic approach to risk management can the industry reduce the rates of construction-related accidents and deaths.
About Us
When it comes to construction, safety is non-negotiable. Trust Action Equipment and Scaffold Company, your reliable scaffolding company. We prioritize safety, offering top-notch solutions and training, ensuring your site operates smoothly and securely.
With over 70 years of experience in the industry, we are the best at what we do in terms of quality, credibility, and skills.
Discover quality scaffolding sales for frame, system, suspended, steel shoring, and more. Our team ensures safe erection and dismantling, prioritizing your project's success and workers' well-being.
We also provide SAIA-accredited Competent Person training for supported and suspended scaffolds. Other certified training includes confined space and fall protection, OSHA outreach training (construction), and MSHA part 48 training. You can reach us at 1-800-252-3417 or fill out our contact form to know more.