Construction Projects: Putting Safety and Quality Control First

Safety concerns are one of the major factors for construction businesses. While the term “safety” tends to be rather vague, there should be some specifics that should be observed at all times.

The construction industry is characterized by a risky environment. Field service teams need to have the know-how to be able to make split-second decisions while staying safe in the process.

The first step in this regard is, therefore, to educate your teams.

Educating Your Teams

Education plays a major role in preventing injuries in the workplace. Some topics are industry-specific, while others deal with general hazards any worker can face at one point or another. 

Avoiding workplace injuries starts with awareness, which includes, but is not limited to, the following aspects:

•  Check the ground for spills or objects that you could trip over
•  Encourage workers to use tools and equipment safely to prevent injury
•  Encourage others to use mechanical assistance to help lift objects
•  Take note of the gear and safety measures necessary for target operations
•   Keep emergency exits open and unobstructed
•   Always use solid ladders (not improvised ladders)
•   Before utilizing railings, make sure they are securely fastened by testing them first
•   Know where the first aid kits are located
•   Know which employees have received first aid training in case of an injury
•   Use the necessary signage to identify hazardous materials and areas

Emergency Preparedness

Safety begins with proper preparations, of which emergency preparedness is the first step.

Some examples include installing fire extinguishers, devising evacuation routes, staging periodic fire drills, and performing regular equipment maintenance.

Setting up evacuation procedures is not only desirable but also critical. Make sure to place first aid kits strategically and perfect your training programs.

Personal Protective Equipment and Electrical Safety

Construction project safety is almost synonymous with personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is mandatory in a number of industries and typically includes hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, specialized gloves, masks, suits…

Some roles (e.g., electrical engineers) need an extra layer of protection, namely electrical safety. These professionals should be well educated and, optimally, trained in safety and health standards, which include:

• NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
• NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace)
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Standards
• IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standards
• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Standards
• Local Building Codes and Regulations

Injury Prevention

Construction professionals face risks of serious injuries when not trained properly. Construction safety is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which enforces safety and health standards to ensure construction sites are safe for workers.

There are many safety standards in this field, the most significant of which include:

• OSHA’s Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926)

Subpart C – General Safety and Health Provisions

Subpart D – Occupational Health and Environmental Controls

Subpart E – Personal Protective and Life Saving EquipmentSubpart L – Scaffolds

• Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M)

Guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems

•  Electrical Safety (29 CFR 1926 Subpart K)

        Safety requirements for electrical systems and equipment used in construction work

•  Cranes and Derricks in Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC)
•   Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1926.59):

Communication of hazards associated with chemicals used on construction sites

•  Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1926.103):

        Regulates the use of respiratory protection equipment

•  Confined Spaces in Construction (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA)
•   Fire Protection and Prevention (29 CFR 1926 Subpart F)

Quality Control

Quality control for construction projects portends tight strategies and guidelines that establish bulletproof procedures for ensuring that deliverables meet the desired standards.

Typically, it includes a checklist detailing the scope of work, quality assurance, issue prevention, clearly set expectations, and strict inspections.

ISO Certifications

ISO certifications are a useful addition to the OSHA standards explained above.

There are many options to choose from here; we’ll hereby mention only those of interest to construction safety and quality assurance:

•  ISO 45001: Occupational Health And Safety Management Systems
•  ISO 45003: Psychological Health and Safety at Work
•  ISO 31000: Risk Management
•  26262: Functional Safety for Road Vehicles
•  ISO 12100: Safety of Machinery
•  ISO 13849: Safety of Machinery – Safety-Related Parts of Control Systems
•  ISO 50001: Energy Management Systems

Handling Complex Machinery

Lastly, handling complex machinery can be challenging. At times, these systems seem like an insurmountable obstacle. 

However, this is but a trifling concern. Businesses that provide proper training have nothing to fear. Make sure to provide stellar programs and ensure that your teams are well-educated in this matter.

Finally, conduct regular maintenance of the machinery to enforce safety at all times. As much as education is critical, technical aspects need to be kept in mind, too.

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