The truth is that construction workers operate dangerous heavy machinery and tools all day long and without proper protection an injury will likely occur. If, for example, you are using a jack hammer and you do not have protective goggles, it is possible that a piece of concrete or macadam will shoot up and injure your eye. Eye and hand injuries are common accidents on construction sites. But by far the most dangerous injuries are head injuries. Most of these injuries could have been prevented if the worker would have simply worn his hardhat. In fact, hard hats are required on all construction sites because people know that falling objects such as bricks and concrete are common there. And if a worker is not wearing his helmet it is likely that he will be injured, perhaps even fatally, by falling debris.
While safety of workers is obviously important, it is also essential that construction companies and crews pay close attention to public safety. If a construction site is located in an urban area, it is likely that work is being done in close proximity to the public. When this is the case, it is important that both the construction crew and the public are aware of the steps they must take to ensure everyone's safety.
Signs
The first thing a construction company must do is to make the public aware of possible danger. All sites should display the appropriate signs that let pedestrians know construction is in progress along the perimeter of the site. There should also be signs that let both workers and the public know that hardhats are required on site.
Fencing
The most common sense safety measure a construction company can implement is to properly fence off a construction site. This lets the public know that potentially dangerous work is being down inside and that they should keep their distance. It also lets the workers know that they are doing a dangerous job that they should always properly prepare for. And as long as construction crews keep all of the work inside the fence, the public should be safe. Note: When cranes or other heavy machinery are being utilized to transport material to the site, they should never travel in or through areas that are open to the public and that have not been properly condoned off beforehand.
Falling Materials
Most pedestrians who are injured near a construction site are injured by falling objects. The reason for this is simple: it is difficult to calculate just how far a falling object can travel when dropped from an immense height. That is why most construction companies fence and condone off areas far larger than is necessary when working on a building or skyscraper. They also make certain that their men keep close track off all of their tools and that they don't leave anything lying around.
In the end, safety on construction sites is a two way street. The company must do its job and put up the appropriate signs and fence off areas and the public must take heed of these signs, and, when necessary, give the work zone a wide berth.
