During multi-story construction projects, falls are one of the most common accidents. In fact, slips, trips, and falls account for a large percentage of injuries on construction sites. If your staff is exposed to fall hazards, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent falls. Keep reading to learn the best ways to protect your workers!
The Importance Of Regular Maintenance On Risk Areas In Multi-Story Construction Projects
Regular maintenance is necessary to identify and fix potential hazards before they cause accidents. For example, if there is a hole in the floor, it should be repaired immediately. Someone could trip and fall through the hole if you wait to fix it. Also, if you don’t take the correct measures to protect your workers from falls, you could be liable if an accident occurs.
Risk Areas
- Walkways: The condition of your outdoor walkways can change with the seasons and from regular wear and tear. Inspecting these areas regularly for ruts, slippery conditions, or other uneven ground to prevent accidents is essential.
Also, please identify any holes or trenches on the site. Cover them accordingly and use caution tape to secure the area and prevent anyone from accessing it. Remember that workers should never take shortcuts through debris piles.
- Floors: Floors should be kept clean and dry. You can etch tiled or concrete floors to produce a nonslip, non-skid surface. If you want to enhance traction, smooth flooring may also be coated with skid-resistant materials.
- Stairwells and steps: Inspect stairwells and steps regularly to ensure they’re in good repair and free of debris. Steps should have a non-slip surface, and you should install handrails on both sides of the stairway.
Always ensure that your stairs and stairwells are clean and free of objects that could cause somebody to trip or fall.
- Lighting: It’s essential to have proper lighting both indoors and outdoors. This includes ensuring that outdoor areas such as stairs, walkways, and parking lots are well lit.
It’s also important to regularly inspect the construction site for any lighting issues and to immediately replace any burned-out bulbs. Finally, adjust the outdoor lighting as needed throughout the year, considering changes in seasonal light levels.
- Holes In The Floor: One of the most common fall hazards on construction sites is holes in the floor. These holes can be caused by various things, such as falling debris, excavation work, or poor housekeeping.
It’s essential to cover these holes immediately with thick material and put up caution tape or cones around the area to ensure no one falls into the hole.
Seasonal Safety Hazards
The areas mentioned above typically pose a fall hazard. Still, there are additional seasonal safety hazards to be aware of. Before each new season begins, evaluating your equipment and employee requirements is critical. Fall prevention is essential; consider the following:
Snow and ice: Immediately remove snow and ice from outdoor fire exits, staircases, sidewalks, and parking lots. Also, ensure rain gutters are draining correctly to prevent sidewalk or parking area flooding from melting snow and ice.
Rain: Use floor mats and signs to keep floors dry and warn people about slippery surfaces when it rains. When wet, outdoor areas like entryways, hallways, and ramps can become dangerous. You can prevent most slips and falls with some preplanning and vigilance.
Don’t Risk Your Staff’s Safety By Working With The Hole Solution
Avoid open holes in the floor and other potential fall hazards by working with The Hole Solution. Fall prevention is a must in multi-story construction projects, and we can help you. We’re the leading manufacturer of concrete hole covers nationwide.
At The Hole Solution, our products are designed to provide a safe and efficient way to cover holes in floors; they’re made from high-strength materials and are weight-rated according to OSHA requirements. Contact us today to learn more about the product’s specs!