OSHA Defense

The Seven Deadly Safety Sins Part 4 featured image

The Seven Deadly Safety Sins Part 4

Contractors should always consider any possible way they can mitigate the likelihood of an accident occurring. Although we generally think of physical ways we can reduce the hazards on a jobsite, it’s important to also analyze the mental, social, and emotional aspects of a safe environment as well. In parts one, two, and three, our Clearwater construction attorneys covered a variety of psychosocial factors that can increase the chances of work-related accidents. In this final section, we will discuss three more destructive philosophies that compromise the safety of a workplace.

5) Rushing to Meet a Deadline

As Clearwater construction lawyers, we understand that our clients want to do everything in their power to reach their project deadlines. However, you never want to compromise the quality of your work or the safety of your workforce just to reach the finish line by the date on your contract. When you become solely focused on reaching deadlines, you increase your work pace. This means that you and your workers are under more pressure. When you rush to meet a deadline, you also increase certain safety risks and promote unsafe behaviors because you feel compelled to work quicker and take shortcuts. Of course, this also increases the chances of making a mistake.

Although construction companies are always determining ways they can cut costs and streamline building processes, it’s important that contractors do not become so focused on the immediate rewards that they overlook the long-term negative consequences of promoting an unsafe work environment.

6) Your Workers are Exhausted

Construction professionals generally associate fatigue with physical attributes like workers that are exhausted from working long hours or increasing their workload. Although construction work is physically demanding and exhaustive work, accidents that transpire because of physical overexertion are only the tip of the iceberg.

Work that requires professionals to have an extremely high level of focus is also mentally exhausting. Whether it’s a lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, extreme stress, or drug or alcohol abuse, any of these symptoms can impact the productivity and safety of a jobsite. From wearable technology to understanding the warning signs related to both physical and mental exhaustion, contractors need to learn how to detect fatigue in their workplace and mitigate risks by ensuring overexerted workers seek the treatment they need.   

7) You Don’t Stress the Importance of Safety

Although we have dedicated our first six “deadly safety sins” to certain characteristics related to social psychology, many construction companies simply overlook having the right resources or don’t stress the importance of safety on the jobsite. Regardless of the size of your construction business, chances are that your company could always have more training courses and utilize more resources to ensure that you are providing the most effective safety system you can. This concept begins with educating your workers on safety and providing them with the right training resources.

Another way you can ensure that your workplace is compliant with safety requirements is to consult a Clearwater construction attorney for an audit of your jobsite. Starting with investing in the right personal protective equipment and workplace tools, there are a variety of practical ways you can improve your company’s resources to ensure you are protecting workers from harm. Never overlook the importance of safety in the workplace.

If you would like to speak with our Clearwater construction attorneys, please contact us today.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.