Bridge workers face a high number of hazards just by showing up at the worksite. Apart from the lead hazards, there are also many other safety and health concerns on bridge construction sites. That’s why it is vital for the workers to know and follow certain safety principles to avoid accidents and personal injuries.
From wearing your PPE to following procedures, there are many guidelines and procedures that a worker should follow. All these things can help make your working site a safer place to work. If the workers do not adhere to these practices, the risk of an accident with injuries is significantly greater, and the company could face liabilities.
Here are ten simple construction site safety rules that every bridge worker should follow:
Table of Contents
1. Use Formwork and Supports in the Workplace
Formwork and supports are in place to prevent accidents in bridge constructions. Workers must follow the path set up by the foreman and use these support installations to lower the risk of accidents. With Bridge Formwork, workers have clear paths for walking and navigating through the worksite.
2. Wear PPE When Working
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Personal protective equipment must be worn at all times when the workers are inside the worksite. PPE is designed to prevent injuries and must be worn according to current safety policies. The bridge job involves rigging and lifting operations. You must hire a certified operator of crane and rigging near you who are always equipped with PPE kits in order to prevent accidents.
Along with the PPE kit, wear safety boots, vest, and head and eye protection. It will be the last line of defense if the workers come into any kind of hazard on the construction site.
3. Control Rubbish and Waste Around the Worksite
Another important thing is to remove any kind of waste on the site. It is imperative that the workers keep the worksite clear, clean, and free of debris as much as possible. This is because debris could lead to slip and fall accidents and an increase in worker-related injuries.
4. Wait for Your Induction to the Worksite
An induction shows the workers how the worksite works and what kind of equipment and tools are necessary for the specific project. Allow the foreman to provide these instructions to the workers in detail. It will automatically lower accidents and injuries. The induction process is designed to ensure all workers understand the company’s expectations.
5. Follow All Construction Safety Signs and Protocol
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Construction safety signs and protocols are in place to prevent accidents and to keep everyone safe. The foreman will point out all signs and explain safety principles for the worksite in the induction. Make sure that all the signs and boards are in place before workers start working.
6. Do Not Participate in Risky Behaviors
No worker should participate in risky behaviors in a bridge construction project. These behaviors place the individual and others at risk and could increase the risk of accidents. Since the worker chose to perform risky behaviors, they will not be eligible for worker’s compensation because they played a role in causing their injuries.
7. Report Defects and Risks to the Foreman
Any defects in the materials or formwork used for the project must be reported to the supervisor immediately. If the workers do not bring defects to the supervisor’s attention, they cannot remain safe in the worksite, and accidents are more likely. The sooner these defects or issues come to attention, the sooner they get resolved, and there will be less chance for an accident to occur.
8. Stay Away from Unsafe Areas
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The signs show the workers all areas that could be unsafe. The workers are advised to stay out of unauthorized areas and remain in safer areas of the bridge construction site. If they do not adhere to these requirements, the workers may not get coverage for injuries after an accident. It would be deemed a violation of company safety policies and regulations.
9. If You Don’t Know, Ask Your Supervisor
At any time, if a worker isn’t sure about an area of the worksite, they should ask their immediate supervisors. Construction companies do not want workers to enter any area that could be unsafe, and some conditions during the project could present hazards to each worker.
10. Do Not Tamper with Any of the Equipment
No worker should operate or tamper with any of the equipment used for the bridge construction project without proper knowledge and authorization. Tampering can lead to accidents and personal injuries when workers use the equipment.
Conclusion
Even after having advanced technology and equipment still, injuries and deaths on bridge construction sites happen frequently. Bridge workers must follow all safety principles and company policies to avoid these accidents and make the job safer.
They cannot throw caution to the wind and behave poorly in these worksites. A bridge construction presents several hazards on its own, and workers should never increase these workplace risks.
