Having an open and clear dialogue amongst workers on a construction site is vital in terms of promoting wellbeing alongside safety. If workers feel like their onsite safety concerns are being listened to, and the appropriate action is being taken, morale will skyrocket.
However, it’s important that safety meetings aren’t being held for their own sake – they need to be held in a certain way to make sure everyone has a chance to speak and raise their concerns and proposed solutions going forward. If workers have a greater stake in safety changes around the site, they will be happier, and work more effectively.
Making sure that workers have a place to store their PPE is an important concession to make. Reserving a small area near the entrance of the for lockers and other storage equipment is a quick and easy way to do this. This makes sure that all relevant safety equipment is stored onsite where it’s needed – avoiding any awkward and unsafe instances of a worker leaving their PPE offsite.
Positioning lockers and other equipment near the entrance of the site is also an effective way to get employees ready for the working day, by creating a buffer between the outside world and their working environment. This promotes greater focus in the early portions of the day.
Modern construction continues through rain and shine, through snow and hail, any hour of the day. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that onsite workers have to endure these conditions without safety oversight. In hot conditions, make sure workers have a reliable and convenient source of drinking water, to improve concentration during key phases of the build. Similarly, in wintry conditions, it’s important to banish icy spots from the site to avoid any accidents. A workforce will be more effective if small, environmental issues like these are ironed out early, to prevent larger problems later on.
Having at least one first aid trained worker onsite is crucial to maintaining peace of mind amongst the workforce – having a whole site full of first aid practitioners is much better. Giving each of your workers a new skill by organising a first aid training day will raise morale while safeguarding against injuries going improperly treated. It’s a win-win, and first aid courses are often very reasonably priced – so that’s another bonus if you’re looking after your bottom line.
In a similar vein to the first point on this list, dialogue and communication are of the utmost importance if you’re to promote all-round wellbeing amongst your workforce. Yes, this means regular safety meetings – but as far as communication on the job goes, it’s always good to avoid shouting complex instructions across long distances. Instead, have a clear and direct conversation at a normal volume to ensure that all workers understand the construction process. This is highly recommended from both a safety and wellbeing standpoint, as a well-informed worker treated with respect will work more efficiently and effectively.
We hope that these tips were useful and will promote harmony and dialogue amongst your workforce. A solid communication strategy, regular meetings and peace of mind in terms of safety together mean your workers will be a lot happier – and as a happy site is a productive site, this is bound to positively affect your bottom line.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Bull Products has strengthened its presence in the shipbuilding industry, after securing a partnership with a major Norwegian distributor.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Systems, Case Studies, Facility Management & Building Services, Health & Safety, Posts, Security and Fire Protection, Site PreparationFollowing the coming together of Icopal and Monier Redland, and a period of investment in premises, systems and people, BMI UK & Ireland has been formally launched to the construction industry.
Posted in Articles, Building Associations & Institutes, Building Industry Events, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Building Systems, news, Posts, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Roof Edge Protection, RoofsThe MCRMA has published an Advice Note titled AN 4: The Building (Amendment) Regulations England 2018.
Posted in Articles, Building Associations & Institutes, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Regulations & Accreditations, Cladding, Health & Safety, Posts, Publications, Roofs, Security and Fire Protection, WallsWith heavier materials and darker colours being used in more and more projects, Troldtekt is exploring the movement in detail in its latest Theme.
Posted in Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Control, Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Ceilings, Innovations & New Products, Interiors, Paints, Coatings & Finishes, Posts
Workers focus so much on doing a quality job as quickly as possible, but onsite wellbeing is too often overlooked or taken as a given, even though it will aid and encourage quality and efficiency. Having a constant open dialogue is so essential for avoiding mistakes, and having peace of mind and a feeling of security brings out the best in people. A really important article that all contractors should read!