On a construction jobsite, safety is associated with a high level of responsibility. Compared to other industries, construction sites are certainly among the most dangerous workplaces. However, occupational safety does not start at the construction site—it starts much earlier.

Construction workers are exposed to high accident and health risks in their daily work because construction projects grow and are continually changing the work environment. The site crew often has to work under considerable strain, in difficult weather conditions and under major time pressure. In order to avoid dangerous situations in the best possible way and to make construction sites a safe place to work, the appropriate measures must be taken.

What is STOP?

A certain mindset is needed to effectively consider safety wholistically as well as practically. It’s not just the equipment that is used, but where to begin safety assessments related to the worker and the construction site. This can be illustrated quite well by the inverted STOP principle.

The person (P) is at the center of all activities. Accidents on construction sites are often caused by behavior. It is therefore important to know where dangers lie and to make the site crew aware of these dangers. The correct assessment of risks and estimation of consequences are essential skills.

The second aspect involves the organization (O). The issue of occupational safety must be anchored firmly in the corporate organization and lived and supported by the entire company. Corresponding guidelines and people who drive the issue forward are critical to success.

The right technical solutions (T) are another point. The focus is on protective measures and facilities that make the workplace safe. On the construction site, falls can usually be prevented with the right safety devices, such as railings, protection screens or non-slip surfaces.

Choosing the right products and the right safety features is the key. Safety systems must always comply with the latest standards and regulations and may only be operated by trained personnel. Products that can no longer be used must be replaced in a timely manner. On construction sites, it’s important that a supplier supports its customers with ergonomic solutions. For example, ease of use for formwork is of prime importance. These systems should be designed to save both time and effort. Health is an indispensable prerequisite for performing safe, productive and high-quality work.

With substitution (S), the primary objective is to prevent hazards and risks from arising in the first place. This is where the impact can be felt from regular safety checks and the proper maintenance of products, but above all also training and education. Well-trained employees are the best precaution for ensuring safe construction sites with high productivity.

Training sources

It is important to use a supplier who offers a comprehensive training program that keeps construction companies up to date with the latest developments in technology, construction-related topics and occupational safety. User information, operating instructions, safety data sheets and application videos also ensure the correct and safe operation of equipment and systems on construction sites. These supplier resources can be combined with regular safety sessions offered by the contractor.

Safety systems

On the construction site, safety is not only found in the mindset and procedures followed, but also in the physical protective measures a contractor uses to keep construction workers safe. It is recommended that a variety of safety equipment is utilized to align with the type of work. Examples of the types of safety solutions that can be employed on a construction site include:

• Pre-assembled scaffold platforms are common and suitable on all types of concrete construction work.
• A pre-engineered edge protection system at the perimeter edges, internal openings, elevator shafts and stairs is recommended for shell construction phases, providing both edge protection and a guardrail system.
• When working on multiple levels, stair towers and ladder systems, which are anchored to the structure, provide safe up and down access routes.
• One of the most recognized safety features is the protection screen, which offers full-area enclosure around the perimeter of the building.
• In some cases, a large collective fall protection system cannot be used, then an individual fall protection system is essential to keep a worker anchored and safe.

Safety on the construction site is a great responsibility for all those involved. A professional approach, starting with the right mindset, brings a number of significant benefits. Through a greater attention to safety there can be less risk of accidents, higher efficiency from faster workflows and enhanced employee morale.