As a construction worker, you can get so comfortable with your daily routine that it’s easy to forget the risks associated on the job site. In high-risk jobs, like construction, becoming numb to the inherent dangers of the jobs can prove to be fatal. So, what should you do to ensure your safety? It’s a question that plenty of companies are asking internally. Some companies were able to reduce their workplace injuries dramatically by taking steps to ensure workplace safety, but not every company is so successful. That’s why, as an employee, it’s important to have an idea what to do in case of an accident. By following these steps, you can keep you and your coworkers as safe as possible and prevent jobsite accidents.
Step 1: Check Yourself and Others
Your first instinct may be to aid others, but your first step must be to check yourself. If you’re injured, you may be putting others at risk, should your condition worsen. Check on everyone else in the area once you’ve established that you’re okay. If a coworker is still in life-threatening danger, such as being caught in a running machine, turn the equipment off or instruct someone in a better position to do so. Without putting yourself in any danger, check on the well-being of anyone else involved in the accident.
Step 2: Report incident and Administer First Aid
Quickly assess the extent of any injuries. Proceed as outlined below:
If the injuries are minor or negligible:
Contact your supervisor and safety manager. Be sure to report even minor accidents in detail. If the issue that caused it is not resolved or repaired, it can result in a worse injury the next time. For example, if a wobbly ladder that someone stumbled getting off isn’t replaced, the next person could fall from the top of the ladder.
If the injuries are severe or life-threatening:
Call 911 before attempting to aid anyone. Seconds can be the difference between life or death in a significant accident. If you’re certified and feel comfortable doing so, administer first aid. If you are not, find someone who is. Do not attempt to provide first aid if it places you or anyone else at higher risk.
Step 3: Secure and Manage the Jobsite
Clear employees from the jobsite: Removing non-essential employees from the area (to rally/muster points) reduces the risk of anyone else getting injured. It’s crucial that any emergency personnel can get to the injured employee(s) in a timely fashion. They may be carrying heavy equipment or need a lot of room to operate.
Eliminate the danger: Make sure no one else can get injured by separating and/or powering down the equipment. If the area still poses a risk, remove any injured persons. Do not move them if it’s safe to wait for paramedics.
Document the incident: Nothing should be touched or tampered with after the accident prior to an investigation. As soon as possible, get accounts from witnesses and, if possible, capture photos of the injury and any damaged gear or equipment (cracked hard hat, ripped vest, broken mechanical assets, etc.). Attempt to answer who, what, when, why, where and how to record a conclusive summary of what happened.
Training Is Key
Training employees on what to do in the event of a jobsite accident is crucial to ensure timely and appropriate aid is rendered. With the proper knowledge and skills, you can save lives and reduce the risk of another accident on the jobsite.
