Safety culture starts at the top

This year has seen around 180 fatalities nation-wide with over 50 of those in NSW alone, and the year isn’t even over. Safety should be first and foremost in any business, however today more than ever before, businesses are neglecting basic safety procedures.

At Structen we value our team like members of our own family and we take pride in making sure they return home safely. Our safety culture begins at the top and we have a dedicated WHS manager to keep us on track.

Why? Because, we know what it means to be safe and we’ve created a list of tips to help keep workers safe on the job.

Fall Protection

It is any employer’s duty to assess job sites and implement fall protection policies and systems to protect their workers from injury. Workers should also look after themselves by getting to know their surroundings and potential hazards.

If your employer has failed to provide you with appropriate falls protection, you have a right to refuse working. Lanyards, lifelines, guardrails, skylights and safety net appliances are most commonly used to ensure the protection of workers on site.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is every worker’s responsibility. PPE is a great way to minimise some of the most basic risks to your body.

Boots, hard hats, gloves, goggles, face masks and high visibility clothing is a tradies uniform.

It is important that every week you check your equipment to make sure it is maintained adequately.

Toxic and Hazardous Substances

When starting work on a new site, it’s crucial that your area is assessed for toxic and hazardous substances, particularly in knock-down, rebuild cases.

Hazardous materials such as lead, asbestos and silica are commonly found on construction sites and may require qualified removalists to eliminate the issue. Workers should be aware of any hazardous chemicals and wear PPE to ensure their safety.

Employers should conduct regular training, keeping their team up-to-date with the latest safety and handling procedures.

Scaffolds

Scaffolds are something every tradie will face at one point or another in the construction industry, so it’s important that you know what to do when you’re faced with one.

Falls, electrocutions and falling objects are the most common risks associated with scaffolds. To keep yourself safe, wearing your PPE (particularly hard hats) under and around scaffolds is a must.

Workers should also be aware of the weather when maneuvering around scaffolding. Be aware of rain or early morning dew that may make it harder to stand on or grip the bars and equipment.

Ensure that you are only using stable equipment when moving around the scaffold and not boxes, ladders or other objects that have a greater risk of giving way.

Remember that is your duty as much as it is your employer’s to keep you safe when at work. Taking extra care to read up on the latest safety advice and consulting your WHS manager will mean that it could save you from a life-changing fall or injury.