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  • It’s no secret that the construction industry can be more dangerous than many other types of work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 174,000 nonfatal construction injuries and illnesses in 2020 alone. OSHA also reports that construction workers made up 20% of private industry fatalities.

    These dangers are exactly why it’s essential for construction companies to have safety plans in place for each job site. A good safety program can help companies avoid accidents and keep workers safe and healthy. However, it’s not always obvious how to make a safety plan for construction sites. Below, we’ll break down how to create effective plans to protect your construction workers and your business.

    What Is A Construction Safety Plan?

    A construction safety plan is a written document used to protect workers on job sites. This plan should outline the various rules, procedures, and policies designed to:

    • Put measures in place to prevent accidents
    • Outline response plan following accidents or other safety issues
    • List medical services and emergency contacts
    • Detail the review process for any on-site incidents
    • Highlight safety goals for the construction site

    What Does A Construction Safety Plan Template Look Like?

    While every construction site safety plan will differ from location to location, the majority of plans will include the same types of information. The following construction safety plan example outlines common details that you may want to include in your documentation.

    • Company information
      • Name, address, and phone number
      • Person who approved the site safety plan and approval date
    • Site information
      • List of responsible individuals, such as project manager, site safety officer, etc.
      • Description of the project, work location, and site condition
    • Employees, subcontractors, and other individuals covered by this specific construction safety plan
      • Names of individuals involved in the project
      • Job descriptions/roles
      • Contact information
    • Site rules
      • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
      • Fall protection
      • Safety hazard identification
      • Lockout/tagout
      • Hand and power tools
      • Fire safety
      • First aid
      • Restricted areas
    • Emergency contact information
      • Name, location, and phone number of nearby medical emergency facilities
      • Name, location, and phone number for police department
      • Name and phone number for any leadership that need to be informed about incidents

    A worker using fall protection according to their construction safety plan.

    Best Practices For Construction Safety Plans

    While the elements listed above can help you create a solid safety plan, there are ways in which you can maximize the impact of your risk management efforts. Keep the following best practices in mind when you create and maintain your construction company’s safety plans.

    Embrace OSHA’s fall protection standards

    Slips, trips, and falls are one of the biggest pain points for construction sites. Fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA violation, making fall protection standards and employee requirements especially important for safety plans. Want to learn more specifics on what businesses should know about fall protection? Check out our post on OSHA’s fall protection standards.

    Make personal protective equipment (PPE) a requirement

    Good protective equipment is another cornerstone for proper risk management in the construction industry. Anything from hard hats to hand protection can be necessary depending on the work being done on a site. Make sure to document what PPE is required on your job site, when and how it must be worn, and proper procedures for storing and maintaining PPE over time.

    Stay flexible

    While a construction company’s safety plan should be made before any work is done, that doesn’t mean it can’t change over time. Important plan details can and should be adjusted as necessary.

    Being flexible with your construction site’s safety plan will help your company address new hazards and make job sites safe and compliant . It’s best to review your plans at least once a year to stay on top of any new potential hazards or other risks.

    Consider various weather conditions

    The weather can create new safety issues for a construction project. If your site is outdoors or can be impacted by weather conditions, you’ll want to evaluate the work space for potential risks caused by rain, extreme heat, and more. Any identified risks should be added to your plan to make sure everyone is prepared regardless of the weather.

    Maintain ongoing safety education

    A safety plan doesn’t have to be a one-time teaching tool. In addition to updating your plans on a regular basis, don’t be afraid to discuss important aspects of your plans during construction safety meetings. Tackling topics ranging from fall protection to first aid can help reinforce the rules set in your safety plans and keep employees informed about how to protect themselves.

    Protect Your Business With A Construction Safety Plan

    Between accidents and rising workers’ compensation costs, it’s important for construction companies to invest in workplace safety. GMS partners with businesses to create thorough plans, complete jobsite inspections, and protect your company through other workplace safety strategies. In turn, business owners can limit accidents and control workers’ compensation costs.

    Ready to take a proactive approach to workplace safety? Contact GMS today to see how we can protect your business while you focus your valuable time on growing your business.

  • Workplace safety is essential for any business, but it takes on even more importance for construction workers. According to OSHA, nearly 20% of private industry worker fatalities were in the construction industry. That inherent danger is exactly why safety meetings are a critical tool for any construction company.

    Regular construction safety meetings, often referred to as toolbox talks, are a key part of any safety program. Sharing the right construction site safety tips during these meetings can help protect people, keep your company compliant, and reduce workers’ compensation costs. That’s why it’s essential to educate employees and keep everyone on the same page about a variety of topics.

    What To Discuss During Your Construction Safety Meetings

    Every meeting is an opportunity to tackle important safety concepts, topics, and guidelines that will keep your employees healthy and productive. Whether you plan to tackle a variety of subjects in one meeting or want to dedicate an entire session to a specific theme, consider these nine construction safety meeting topics to share at your next meeting:

    • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • Fall protection
    • Hazard identification
    • Lockout/tagout
    • Hand and power tools
    • Fire safety
    • First aid

    Personal protective equipment (PPE)

    Good preparation is pivotal. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to minimize an individual’s exposure to various hazards that can cause serious injuries and illnesses while they’re in the workplace. PPE comes in many forms that range from hard hats to full body suits, but every piece of PPE plays a role in protecting your team.

    Employers are required to provide workers with any necessary PPE to complete their job, along with proper training and guidelines on how to use each piece of PPE. A construction safety meeting is an excellent place to educate employees on your PPE program. That process includes discussing the following PPE-related topics.

    • When PPE is necessary.
    • The types of PPE that are necessary in different situations.
    • How to properly put on, adjust, wear, and take off PPE.
    • The limitations of PPE.
    • Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal directions for PPE.

    Fall protection

    Slips, trips, and falls are a hazard in any setting, but the construction industry is especially at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), construction accounts for roughly half of all on-the-job falls and more than one-third of fall-related fatalities. Discussing the following construction site safety topics with your employees can help your business reduce or eliminate these types of accidents.

    • An overview of fall protection.
    • Common fall hazards and hazard recognition.
    • The different forms of passive and active fall protection.
    • On-site fall safety requirements for different worksite environments.
    • Training on how to proceed around fall hazards and how to use appropriate equipment.
    • What to do if there is a fall.

    Hazard identification

    OSHA defines a hazard as “an inherent property of a substance that is capable of causing an adverse effect.” Simply put, hazards qualify as anything that can hurt someone in your workplace and need to be identified as quickly as possible. Safety is a team effort, which is why hazard identification should be a notable topic for an upcoming safety meeting.

    Teaching employees about hazard recognition is a process that goes beyond spotting danger. Take the following steps the next time you highlight hazard identification during a toolbox talk.

    • Educate employees on the definition of the term “hazard” and how it applies to them.
    • Highlight the different forms hazards can take in the workplace and provide relevant examples. These include:
      • Physical hazards – Excessive noise, cutting risks, etc.
      • Chemical hazards – Exposure to toxic substances, accidental ingestion, etc.
      • Airborne hazards – Fumes, gas leaks, etc.
      • Ergonomic hazards – Improper lifting techniques, improper posture, etc.
      • Biological hazards – Mold, bacterial growth, etc.
    • Practice hazard identification with employees through demonstrations and other tests like OSHA’s Hazard Identification Training Tool.
    • Share the appropriate process for when an employee spots a hazard, including:
      • How to communicate with the team about a hazard.
      • Assessing the risk of the hazard.
      • Putting controls in places to eliminate or reduce the hazard’s ability to cause harm.

    Lockout and tagout

    Heavy equipment and machinery are not uncommon in the construction industry, but they can pose a threat if not dealt with appropriately. Proper lockout and tagout procedures can help employees safely depower these machines to prevent future injuries.

    A safety topics for construction meeting is an excellent opportunity to educate employees about proper maintenance and service protocol. Present written lockout/tagout procedures for every machine during the meeting (and create them if they don’t exist). You’ll also want to walk through the exact procedures for any relevant machines. For example, the following steps represent a typical lockout/tagout process:

    1. Notify employees affected by lockout/tagout procedures.
    2. Shut down equipment according to written guidelines.
    3. Isolate the energy source.
    4. Attach the appropriate lockout device.
    5. Release or restrain any energy stored in the machine.
    6. Verify the lockout with the proper personnel.

    Hand and power tools

    Heavy equipment isn’t the only potential danger on a job site. Common construction tools and other machines can pose hazards without proper training and use. Employers can use safety meetings as a refresher courses for existing tools, special sessions for new devices, or a combination of both. Regardless, the following topics are good subjects during these meetings:

    • How to keep all tools in good condition through proper storage and regular maintenance.
    • How to select the right tool(s) for each task or job.
    • How to examine tools for any damage or other warning signs prior to use.
    • Correct operating procedures for each tool (including manufacturers’ instructions if applicable).
    • How to spot environmental issues that can impact tool safety (ex. wet conditions for electrical equipment).
    • When and how to properly use the right PPE for relevant tools.

    Fire safety

    Between electrical tools and flammable materials, fires are a real risk on many construction sites. A fire can break out at any time, so it’s best to educate employees about what they can do to prevent them – and what to do in case one does occur. Below are some notable topics that your business should discuss during a fire safety toolbox talk.

    • Common job site fire safety hazards.
    • How to handle and store flammable materials.
    • How to use equipment that can create sparks and other potential fire safety issues.
    • Proper procedures during a fire and other related response plans.
    • Where to find fire response equipment (and how to use that equipment).

    First aid

    While businesses can take several precautions to make their work environment as safe as possible, there’s always a chance someone can get hurt. OSHA requires construction companies to have someone properly trained in first aid on-site, but it’s also good to remind workers about first aid basis. That discussion should include the following topics:

    • The location of any first aid kids on-site and what these kits contain.
    • Any other safety supplies that may be required on-site, such as an automatic external defibrillator.
    • How to use first aid skills for minor treatments, such as cleaning minor cuts, applying bandages, and more.
    • A review of your emergency action plan, including the following steps:
      • How to survey an accident scene.
      • How to identify injuries and other issues.
      • How to contact emergency medical services (and what information you should share with them).

    Take A Proactive Approach To Workplace Safety Management

    From ladder safety to hazard recognition, a little prevention goes a long way toward protecting your employees and business from injuries, illnesses, and worse. Construction safety meetings are an excellent way to train workers, encourage discussion, and keep everyone accountable. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to stay ahead of safety and compliance risks alone.

    Group Management Services partners with businesses to make their business safer and more efficient. Our workplace safety experts take a proactive approach through onsite consulting, jobsite inspections, workplace safety courses, and other key services. Contact us now about how GMS can make your business a safer place.

  • A healthy and efficient workforce is an important part of any successful business. In environments where workplace injuries are more common, it’s absolutely essential.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent occupational injuries and illnesses survey, the manufacturing industry accounted for “15% percent of all private industry nonfatal injuries and illnesses.” Manufacturing safety meetings are a great opportunity to educate your employees on key safety guidelines and practices. With the right information, your company can help protect people from injuries, stay compliant, and reduce workers’ compensation costs.

    8 Essential Safety Topics for Manufacturing Companies

    When it comes to safety topics for the manufacturing industry, there are a variety of subjects that you should discuss with your employees. Here are eight key topics that your company should highlight at the next manufacturing safety meeting.

    Slips, trips, and falls

    The potential for slips, trips, and falls is arguably the biggest threat for manufacturing employees. OSHA estimates that these falls account for more than a third of fatal workplace injuries, making it a major priority for any manufacturing company. There are a variety of reasons for slips, trips, and falls in the workplace, including:

    • Wet or uneven surfaces
    • Ladders that are defective or set up improperly
    • Dangerous weather conditions
    • Crowded workspaces
    • Poor lighting
    • Human error

    While you can’t prevent every slip, trip, and fall, you can use safety meetings to educate employees about proper safety precautions. Train every employee on how to identify potential hazards and use protective equipment and fall protection systems. That education will not only help employees stay aware, but also know what to do to protect themselves and your business.

    Fire hazards

    A single fire can put both lives and property at risk. Your next safety meeting should highlight how fires start and what employees can do to prevent them. Start by breaking down relevant OSHA codes designed to protect against fire hazards. Employees should also learn about how they can adhere to any state or local fire safety laws to stay compliant and limit the chances of a fire.

    You should also educate workers about what to do in case a fire ever breaks out at your facility. Have an evacuation plan for your employees so that they know how to get to safety. Make sure that your employees know the following details:

    • The locations for any fire extinguishers and other prevention equipment and instructions on how to use fire protection devices.
    • The locations of all exits at your facility.
    • Available evacuation routes.

    Hazardous materials

    The presence of hazardous materials can create a number of safety issues. Safety meetings are a tremendous opportunity to educate employees about the dangers of hazardous materials and proper procedures when dealing with these substances. 

    To start, share guidelines on how employees should label, handle, and store hazardous materials. Let employees know where they can access safety data sheets for any onsite chemicals. You should also give employees a thorough rundown on proper waste management. This discussion should include details on the following subjects:

    • Relevant hazardous waste regulations
    • Waste determination
    • Accumulation limits
    • Waste pickup procedure

    Finally, employees need to know next steps in case a spill, leak, or other form of exposure occurs. Discuss what can happen in these events and how to act quickly in these emergencies. If you really want to give employees some experience, you can perform a simulated emergency to help workers practice how to respond to potential spills and leaks.

    Safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment 

    Personal protective equipment (PPE) won’t help if your employees don’t know how to use it – and that’s if they use it at all. The first step of this process is to ensure that your employees and acknowledge that using or wearing safety equipment and PPE is mandatory. As long as you make this equipment available to employees at no cost of their own, they must use safety masks, reflective vests, and any other safety gear.

    Of course, having that equipment and knowing how to properly use it are two different issues. Use your safety meeting as an opportunity to educate employees about how to properly wear, use, and store equipment. Employees should also know how to identify and report any equipment issues issues and next steps for disposal and replacement.

    Machine guarding

    According to OSHA, unguarded and inadequately guarded machinery leads to “18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, and over 800 deaths per year.” It’s essential to put the proper safeguards in place and educate employees about the dangers that industrial equipment can pose. Make sure that employees are aware of the risks associated with improper machine guarding and take the following steps to limit the potential for user error:

    • Train employees on how to correctly use any industrial equipment and follow proper procedures.
    • Review the machine guarding controls in place at your facility, which can include barriers, two-hand trips, and other safety measures.
    • Conduct a full walkthrough of your facility or facilities to highlight controls and potential risks.

    Lockout/tagout procedures

    Certain industrial equipment can release hazardous energy sources whether they’re in use or not. Educating employees about proper lockout and tagout procedures will help ensure that workers know how to safely depower machinery and limit the potential for workplace injuries.

    Use your manufacturing safety meeting to stress just how important it is to control hazardous energy and follow proper maintenance and service protocol at all times. If you don’t already, make sure you have written lockout/tagout procedures for every machine and present them during the meeting. While the exact procedures can vary, the following steps represent a typical process for lockout/tagout:

    1. Notify any employees who are affected by lockout/tagout.
    2. Shut down equipment in accordance to proper procedure.
    3. Isolate the energy source.
    4. Attach the appropriate lockout device.
    5. Release or restrain any energy stored in the machine.
    6. Verify the lockout with the proper personnel.

    Electrical safety

    Anytime equipment generates electricity, there’s a chance that someone can get electrocuted. Electrical accidents can range from minor shocks to major fires and fatalities. Regardless of the danger level, you’ll want to talk with your employees about these hazards.

    It’s important that employees don’t underestimate potential electrical safety threats. While electrical machinery is a more obvious hazards, exposed wires or improperly used power strips are also an issue. The following topics can help ensure that employees know how to behave around electrical equipment and why safety is so important.

    • Electrical safety requirements and procedures in the workplace.
    • Why electrical safety-related work practices are critical.
    • How to identify potential hazards.
    • The different types of electrical injuries.

    Ergonomic work areas

    It’s easy to overlook the importance of workplace ergonomics, but this topic plays a direct role in limiting injuries and stress. Both laborers and office team members can directly benefit from adapting processes, environments, and instruments around their physical needs. There are a variety of ways that you can educate employees about safe workplace ergonomics, including the following subjects.

    • Correct lifting techniques and best practices to handle repetitive motion.
    • Stretches and exercises that can help minimize physical risks when bending, lifting, or twisting.
    • Ways to adjust computer monitors, equipment, and other items to improve posture and avoid neck and back pain.
    • Proper posture to prevent long-term issues.

    Protect Your Business Through Manufacturing Safety Meetings

    Proper safety training can go a long way toward making your workplace safer and more efficient. However, it’s not always easy for small businesses owners to conduct these meetings and stay ahead of safety and compliance risks alone.

    Group Management Services partners with businesses to reduce risk and create a safer, more efficient work environment. Our experts can assist you with onsite consulting, jobsite inspections, accident and injury investigations, training, and safety education. You can also sign up for one of our workplace safety courses. Contact GMS today to talk to our experts about how we can make your business simpler, safer, and stronger.

    And, be sure to mark your calendars for our upcoming safety expo on Sept. 10, 2021 at our Richfield office. For more information on the expo, please contact Paul Aldrich at PAldrich@groupmgmt.com