• Survey the jobsite.

Before even beginning work on a jobsite, it’s important to take a walk around. Make sure your jobsite is safe to walk before starting operations. This gives you the opportunity to identify potential hazards before they cause an accident. It also helps you plan how to handle those hazards as you go through the construction project. Pro tip: walk through the site every day to identify every change that has taken place and how it affects the safety of your jobsite.

• Make sure you’re not distracted when working.

Construction sites are not the place to be elsewhere mentally. Cell phones are a major distraction, so it’s best to keep your phone away while working on the job. If you have to have it on you, keep it on silent in your pocket. Before you begin working on a site, make sure there’s nothing around that could potentially distract you. Just like the fact that you wouldn’t work while intoxicated, you shouldn’t work while distracted.

• Protect your toes.

Your toes are more important than you’d think. They are in contact with the ground 75 percent of the time that you’re walking. They are the most important part of your feet when it comes to balance, and they’re the most vulnerable to injury on the job. Investing in steel-toed or composite-toed boots is worthwhile. Composite-toe shoes are a new trend, and provide the same if not better protection as steel-toed boots, but they’re lighter and warmer.

• Keep power cords running against the building.

On a construction jobsite, there are a number of tripping hazards. Kicking extension cords against the building as you are moving about the jobsite is a good habit to get into. That way, the cords won’t be tripped over, stomped on, trapped underneath equipment, tangled, rolled over with wheelbarrows, or crushed by heavy equipment.

• Maintain a three-point grip.

When it comes to climbing a scaffold, it’s important you’re not at risk for falling off. The best way to make sure you won’t lose your grip is by using the three-point grip. This grip means that one hand and two feet, or one foot and two hands, are in contact with the scaffold at all times. Keep yourself as close to the frame as possible. If you lean far out it could cause the frame to top over right on top of you. In addition, make sure you never climb on the cross braces. That part of the scaffold frame is not designed to handle that weight.

• Bend over exposed nails.

Any time you’re working on a job site, it’s incredibly important that exposed nails are bent over so that no one gets snagged on one or steps on one. In addition, bending nails over makes it easier and safer to carry and throw away old boards.

• Take precautions when operating heavy machinery.

Operating heavy-duty machinery is not something to be messed around with. When operating a heavy machine or vehicle, make sure that you have enough room to maneuver your vehicle or equipment. Make sure that you alert those around you of your next stop, so they can get out of the way. When operating the machine, make sure you check in all directions, especially when moving in reverse. Make sure you have calculated, and know your machine’s swing radius and make sure it’s clear of people when turning. If you’re staying in one general location, think about marking that location off to not endanger other workers.

• Clean up.

One of the most important ways to keep a jobsite safe is to keep it clean after you’re finished working. This prevents trip hazards and keeps the area clutter free. Don’t leave debris or materials abandoned on a scaffold or any work at the end of the day. This makes a good impression on your client, as well as makes sure your site is free of hazards.

At ASI Construction, we’re backed by over 20 years or experience in construction. We guarantee superior results and professional work. Ready to get started with your next commercial construction project? Get in touch with us today.