Jul 18, 2016
Ways You Can Measurably Improve Workplace Safety
In 2014, in Alberta alone, 69 individuals were killed on the job in the construction industry, and 15 were killed in the mining, quarrying and oil wells sector. That means 1 or 2 people die every week in these industries.
We have to do better.
As a land surveying company, we work closely with construction teams and energy companies all over the province. Today’s post is about sharing best practice so we can work together to see measurable improvements in workplace safety.
Workplace Safety Best Practice 1: Lead From the Top
Everyone has heard a story about a young construction worker who speaks up about a safety issue and saves the day—or possibly a cautionary tale about someone who doesn’t. Not only do your employees need to notice safety issues, but they need to feel 100% comfortable reporting them.
From the very highest levels of management to the most junior contractors, everyone is responsible for safety. A safe organization is one where accountability and pro-activity are valued.
The number one way you can achieve workplace safety is by instilling open communication and a safety-focused culture throughout your organization.
Workplace Safety Best Practice 2: Actions You Can Take Today
We know these tips work because they have helped us to maintain LN’s great safety record. And that’s something we are very proud of.
- Falls are the number one cause of death in the construction industry, so pay special attention to fall prevention and protection.
- Always carry out Risk Assessments and hazard analysis before beginning a new project.
- Create Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) for site activities.
- Conduct regular field safety inspections, and focus on preventative maintenance.
- Provide information on health and safety to all of your staff members. You can download free safety posters (and comprehensive lists of Safe Work Practices) from the Alberta Construction Safety Association.
- Run regular training sessions and seek feedback and advice from your employees. After all, they know the job best.
- Provide personal protective equipment (PPE), and enforce its correct use.
- Consider using drones or other advanced technologies to survey hazardous areas and minimize time on site.
- If you’d like to read more about construction worker safety in particular, check out this PDF from the Associated General Contractors of America: 13 Proven Steps to Improve Construction Worker Safety.
Workplace Safety Best Practice 3: Hire Contractors that Put Safety First
Workplace safety isn’t just important for your own teams.
Disregard for safety is one the four warning signs of a bad surveying company—and it is the only one that could be a matter of life or death.
Checking up on a company’s safety record doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. From Certificates of Recognition to the new Alberta Occupational Health database, you can use this handy guide to make sure you pick a safe surveying contractor.
Ready to Get Started?
Members of the LN team have logged over 350,000 hours of work—across construction sites, the energy sector, and industrial-scale projects—with zero fatalities and zero need for medical aid.
If you are looking for a contractor that takes safety as seriously as you do, we’d love to hear from you. Request a quote, get in touch by email, or call us at 780.488.9064.