A Guide On Civil Works Safety
Posted on: 22 February 2023
Most communities welcome government-driven civil works projects. However, safety is a concern during the construction phase. Below is an article detailing the safety measures contractors must take when executing civil works projects.
Pre-Construction Assessments
The contractor must conduct pre-construction assessments to determine the site conditions. For instance, if they intend to conduct deep excavations, they must establish the soil conditions. For example, does the site have unstable soils such as clay or peat? Will the excavation crew encounter water tables, toxic gasses, or metaphoric rocks? These assessments help the contractor prevent site accidents. For instance, they could use tracked equipment when working on unstable surfaces. Besides, they could use dewatering pumps to empty flooded pits.
Workers' Skills
The contractor should engage highly skilled individuals to execute the civil works project. For instance, equipment operators should have valid licences and high-risk work permits. Moreover, the contractor should hire riggers to help enforce safety at the site. For example, the riggers could be spotters that direct crane operators. They could also acquaint other employees with site safety procedures. For example, they could use flags to warn them about site risks. All employees at the site must have appropriate safety equipment. For example, employees working at heights should have safety harnesses and helmets. If possible, the contractor should have experienced supervisors to enforce site safety.
Insurance
Civil works contractors must have adequate insurance coverage. For instance, general liability coverage guarantees compensation if the contractor damages property during construction. For example, construction debris could damage neighbouring property. Conversely, a curious individual could suffer injuries when visiting the construction site. The contractor must also insure employees and subcontractors at the site. This way, they avoid personal injury suits when employees suffer injuries. Finally, all people and vehicles at the site must have comprehensive insurance.
Equipment
Below are a few insights to help contractors choose equipment when handling civil works projects.
- The contractor should use appropriate equipment. For instance, they could use rough-terrain cranes when working on uneven surfaces.
- The contractor should conduct thorough inspections before deploying equipment at the site. For example, they could use inspection reports to ensure the equipment is in excellent condition.
- All equipment should undergo routine maintenance. For example, the contractor could conduct oil changes, and replace wire ropes and tires.
- The professional must develop traffic plans to prevent equipment accidents. For instance, they could have designated parking spaces for heavy equipment.
Civil works safety includes pre-construction assessments, hiring skilled workers, ensuring adequate insurance, and considering the recommended equipment safety tips.
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