Zero Injuries in the Workplace Toolbox Talk

Zero Injuries in the Workplace Safety Talk

Every construction business should strive to prevent workplace injuries and reduce risk for workers in the field. In order for a business to achieve this goal, every crew member must work together to follow best safety practices.

In this toolbox talk, we'll discuss how attitude, planning, and awareness can make a "zero injury workplace" a reality.

Maintain a positive attitude towards safety

Negativity can significantly affect the outcome of a situation. If you feel that safety isn’t worth your time or effort, try to change your mindset. Adopt a positive outlook and understand that working safely benefits not just your place of business, but yourself and your coworkers as well.

Safe work environments are the result of workers

As a crew member on a construction site, you are responsible for taking the necessary steps to maintain a safe work environment. How you plan out your daily tasks directly influences workplace safety. It is your job to follow proper protocol.

Each individual worker can make a difference in workplace safety.

How to avoid work-related injuries

To avoid work-related injuries and help your company accomplish a zero injury year, there are some tips to keep in mind, both as part of a crew and as an individual worker.

Don't take shortcuts

Shortcuts are one of the most common unsafe acts on a jobsite. When you take a shortcut, you skip steps to save time or effort. However, any step that's left out of a process will leave more room for error.

Don't be in a hurry to complete tasks. Work as safely as possible, and make sure you're following procedures properly, especially when related to safety.

Wear PPE

PPE (personal protective eequipment) is a necessary part of working in construction.

You should always be wearing the required PPE for the job. These items protect you and help you avoid injuries. Some examples of protective equipment are:

• Earplugs

• Face shield

• Safety vest

• Eye protection

• Work boots

• Hard hat

• Work gloves

• Rubber gloves

• Safety harness

• Respirator

• Coveralls

Remember that PPE is not your sole method of protection when you are working. PPE is your last line of defense, and wearing it does not mean you don't have to follow any other safety measures.

Employees should also receive training on proper PPE use.

Have adequate staff

When too many workers are crowded in one area, this creates a hazard. Excess workers may get in the way while moving equipment tries to come through the area, or they may trip over objects and fall over one another when there isn't enough space to work safely.

Likewise having too few workers assigned to a task can also be a hazard. If a single employee is trying to complete more work than they can safely handle themselves, they are more likely to get injured.

Jobs should be properly planned so that a business knows exactly how many people are needed onsite each day.

Keep your worksite clean

Good housekeeping is critical on a construction site. Equipment, tools, and materials should always be put away in their proper places immediately after use. When the worksite is cluttered and disorganized, there is greater risk for workplace injuries. It's easy to trip over tools and materials that aren't stored safely.

Poor housekeeping is also a hazard for heavy equipment. Clutter may not be visible to the operator and can cause significant damage if struck or run over.

Training

Proper training and education for crew members is essential in construction. Education can help workers identify and better resolve hazardous conditions.

Without safety training, workers are less likely to make informed decisions during emergencies.

Types of injuries that can occur on construction sites

There are many different types of accidents that can happen on a construction site that may result in injuries, illnesses, and even fatalities.

That is why safety protocols are established. If everyone onsite tries their best to work safely, the risk of incidents will be reduced.

Some of the most common incidents on construction sites include:

• Falling from high distances

• Broken arms or legs

• Amputation due to damage to a limb

• Stitches due to a cut from tools or materials

• Electrocution

• Burn injuries

• Getting struck by falling objects

• Getting caught between machinery

Setting a goal is good motivation

Setting a goal of zero injuries for the year (or any set period of time) can motivate employees to take safety more seriously. When everyone is working together towards this goal, you'll see better results.

Safety is not the responsibility of just one person. Everyone needs to participate in maintaining a safe working environment. Even if you need to make extra effort to ensure you can complete a task safely, it's worth it. Your own health and wellness and that of your coworkers depends on you.