It’s fair to say that accidents are an all too common problem for construction workers. In fact, 3,464 non-fatal injuries were reported by employers between 2020 and 2021. Generally, the root cause of most accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, was a lack of planning and maintenance. Part of this process should involve implementing the right procedures and products for construction site safety.
Getting the right safety equipment is simply about protecting both your workers and any visitors. And, this is always worth a second thought.
We understand that it can be overwhelming to choose the best safety equipment for your construction site. That is why we have put together this detailed guide. We hope to help you find the best products for construction site safety. Read on to find out more.
The Best Products For Ensuring Construction Site Safety
If you want to protect workers and visitors, you will need to ensure you have high-quality safety equipment on site.
1. First-Aid Equipment
This first one may seem obvious, but it’s one of the most crucial products to have when it comes to protecting workers. A first-aid kit will be your first port of call when accidents occur. In the event of an emergency, you can help the injured person and prevent the injury from getting worse until the emergency services make it to your site.
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, all construction sites must have:
- An appointed person who takes charge of the first-aid equipment and calls the emergency services when necessary. While the appointed person does not need to be a certified first-aider, they may be required to provide emergency cover when the first-aider is absent.
- A notice with information about the appointed person or first-aider, including where to find them.
- A first-aid box with enough supplies to cover the number of works on the site.
2. Soft Landing Bags
Whether you’re working from ladders or fragile surfaces, falls are one the biggest causes of injuries on building sites. If you want to ensure that your workers are protected while working at height, it’s wise to invest in fall arrest equipment, such as soft landing bags.
In the event of a fall, landing bags can cushion the landing, reduce impact and prevent injury.
3. Fire Blankets
On the surface, small fires may seem harmless. However, the reality is that small fires can become a major emergency if you don’t have the proper equipment to put them out.
A fire blanket provides a quick and effective solution for minimising the spread of small fires that cannot be put out with water. Additionally, it’s worth noting that fire blankets are useful when it comes to escaping fires. They can be used as a fire retardant wrap to protect workers.
4. Fire Trolley And Stands
In the event of an emergency, time is of the essence. Your workers must have all the right equipment at their fingertips. To make sure every second counts, you will need to make sure that safety equipment is easily accessible. With trolleys and stands, you can easily draw attention to safety equipment in emergencies.
5. Fire Extinguishers
Similarly, large fires can cause no end of stress and cause significant delays to your construction project. If you want to stop large fires from spreading quickly, you will need a fire extinguisher. Not to mention, fire extinguishers are invaluable when working with flammable materials.
Remember, every construction site is different and will therefore require a different type of fire extinguisher. In order to establish which type of extinguisher you need, it’s a good idea to carry out a fire risk assessment. You should consider the types of fire you may fight and your site conditions. If you have a large site, a wheeled extinguisher can easily be transported in an emergency. Or, if your extinguisher could get damaged easily, choose a durable P50 fire extinguisher.
6. Spill Kits
Leaks and spillages can lead to serious accidents, especially those involving hazardous substances. Having a spill kit could ultimately be the difference between workers getting injured and creating a safe work environment.
7. Smoke And Heat Detectors
If you want to make sure your workers can act swiftly in the event of a fire, it’s sensible to install smoke and heat detectors.
8. Fire Alarms
To ensure ultimate safety, it’s important to have a fire alarm system on site. After all, there are a number of ignition, fuel and oxygen sources that can be found on construction sites.
Choosing a fire alarm system for a construction site is slightly different from setting up a fire alarm within a residential or commercial property. It’s recommended that you choose a wireless system. These battery-powered systems are ideal for building sites, as there is no need to install cables or carry out additional work. For more information, here are 7 tips for choosing the best fire alarm system for your construction site.
More than that, the set-up of most building sites is constantly evolving, But with a wireless fire alarm, you can easily move your system around when and as you need to, offering you the flexibility you need. Read our guide to learn more about the benefits of wireless fire alarms.
If you already have a fire system in place, it’s important to regularly service your system and make sure it is in good working order. Want to know more? Here are 4 ways to improve fire safety on construction sites.
Learn More About Wireless Fire Alarm Safety From The Experts
We at Evacuator Site Alarms are committed to designing top-quality fire detection solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of your industry. If you’re struggling to find a suitable wireless fire safety solution for your construction site, speak to one of our experts today on 0330 135 5337 or email us at sales@evacuatoralarms.com.