5 Mistakes to Avoid When Working in the Trade Industry

Construction of any kind includes a wide range of different jobs to be carried out on any particular site, and every single person working in the construction trade industry deserves to be safe. Safety on any construction site isn’t limited to work that is physically demanding and deafeningly loud environments. There are many different potentially dangerous tasks done on site by a number of different people that can include carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, fencers, painters, roofers, welders, plasterers, landscapers, and more. Every single employee working on a construction site is entitled to reasonable, practical efforts to make sure that both the health and safety of each person are in place. 

Anyone who is in charge of the safety of workers and pedestrians on any construction job should know about the pitfalls and mistakes that can be made in every possible position and situation. They should be well versed in the mandatory safety guidelines put in place in their region. Even more so, they should be able to recognise the dangers that have the potential to have damaging or even fatal consequences. Continue reading to learn about some of the top mistakes made impacting the welfare of others that can happen while working in the construction industry.

1. Lack of Training & Awareness

Everyone has a responsibility to learn about keeping themselves and others safe in the construction trade. Most regions have mandatory safety regulations in place for all of the people involved in a working environment. This is not to say that there aren’t definitive duties that must be enacted by different workers. Many times, the regulations have specific duties for individuals to execute if they are:

• A primary contractor
• Anyone who directly hires or subcontracts any work
• Someone who takes on any responsibility for a building site
• Architects and/or designers
• All personnel working on the job site
• All material suppliers from manufacturers to importers
• All employees who will be doing high-risk work (this can include workers who are involved with physically demanding jobs, roofers, anyone working at significant heights, heavy equipment operators, workers using power tools, and more)

2. Mismanaging the Risk in a Potentially Dangerous Environment

Every person in the construction field should fully know the general standards of safety and potential hazards, but also understanding the risks of all work sites should be a top priority. Some ways to assess and know the potential risks on a site include having and educating everyone about a safe work management plan, having a clear and easy to understand emergency plan ready, and completing all control measures for each specific job location. For example:

• Control measures include identifying and getting rid of all hazards at the work site, then replacing the hazard with something that is much safer. This lessens the potential hazards for everyone who may be exposed to them. For example, enclosing the construction site with mesh fencing can prevent additional risks for people entering a worksite with potential danger
• Utilise engineering measures to lower any potential risks that persist despite previous efforts to eliminate them
• Work on a plan that provides the best response to any possible emergency. Such as having an evacuation plan in place, continuing to educate employees about potential risks, and keeping basic medical supplies on site and readily accessible
• Keep appropriate warning and danger signs visible and easy to understand. Place them in all potentially dangerous locations. These signs are essential by law in many cases, for protecting workers and the general public. Signs can also be custom made to suit your unique jobsite requirements

3. Not Understanding and Recognising Work That is Considered to Be “High-Risk”

Despite all of the best efforts to ensure the safety of everyone working on a construction site, one of the biggest mistakes is being unable to recognize a high-risk job and the potential injuries that could occur. This is neglectful at best. High-risk jobs include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Working at significant heights (can be as few as 2 metres)
• Demolition of heavy and dangerous materials
• Exposure to unsafe chemicals, scaffold work
• Interacting with unstable existing structures
• The use of explosives
• Being in a small area for extended periods of time
• Working near heavy traffic and pedestrians
• Operating heavy machinery
• Exposure to extreme changes in temperatures

4. Failing to Consider the Overall Health of Every Worker

Some of the subtlest yet significant dangers can come directly from any worker on the job site. Some of the worst consequences can be avoided by taking the time to educate everyone about safety and overall well-being. For example:

• Educate and empower everyone about the risks and dangers that they could face at the job site. Also teach them about changing conditions and how to adapt and be responsible as they occur while completing tasks.
• Clarify that each person understands the project, their role in it and how to safely carry out their duties each day. Also encourage questions and clarification by checking in with each person on a regular basis.
• Talk about the chain of command and who to approach if there is any confusion or concerns of harm.
• Protection is both physical and mental, and both are essential for any worker to do his or her job safely. Educate and encourage an open line of communication, especially for any concerns relating to hazards and safety.

5. Underestimating the Potential Consequences from Construction Accidents

Simply hoping that nothing hazardous or dangerous is present on a construction site can only lead to mistakes, including serious and possibly even fatal consequences. Depending on the injury and actions taken after the fact, a construction company stands to potentially lose everything and face the end of their company. Knowing the possible injuries that may occur can help in identifying potential hazards. Some of those potential injuries include, but aren’t limited to:

• Burn trauma
• Parts of or a whole body being crushed
• Amputation
• Broken bones and/or fractures
• Neck trauma
• Cuts and stabs
• Exhaustion
• Prolonged excessive heat (heat stroke) or excessive cold (frostbite) exposure
• Damage to the spine and/or spinal cord

Conclusion

If someone has an injury at a construction site, it can destroy livelihoods and lives. Avoiding hazardous and dangerous conditions protects everyone involved, whether or not they are in the construction trade industry. Ignoring these concerns and precautions not only threatens the workers, but it also can bring on huge fines, possible lawsuits, or even bankruptcy. Not to mention the loss of income and benefits for more than just the construction company owner. Responsibility in a safe work environment is priceless and can keep everyone happy, healthy, and productive.