There’s a lot that goes into successfully completing a home construction project. One aspect that you should give extra attention to is staying safe. Construction accidents are all too common during home projects and they can lead to some significant injuries if you’re not careful. Not only that, but they can prolong the length of the project, making it more costly. With that in mind, here are some tips you can use to stay safe during your next home construction project, whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, repairing your roof, or something else.
Keep an Organized Workspace
One of the best things you can do is keep an organized workspace. Many causes of accidents are misplaced tools or something being left on the ground unnoticed. According to Goidel and Siegel, a New York Construction accident lawyer, slip, trip, and fall accidents on the job can happen in many ways. Workers may be injured in falls on the same level, such as slipping or tripping on a hazard or spill on the floor. They may also be hurt or killed by falling to a lower level.
Therefore, make it a priority to always organize your workspace. Designate a spot for all your tools and materials that are safely out of your way. Then make it a habit to always return things to their proper place. Organizing your workspace will make it safer for everyone, while also helping you to complete projects faster.
Know How to Safely Use Each Tool
Next, it’s important to know how to safely use each tool. If you’re unfamiliar with how to use a specific tool, you should read through the instruction manual or find a guide online that can assist you. Even if you’ve used a similar tool before, it’s not a bad idea to refamiliarize yourself with how to properly use it. This is especially important when you’re using dangerous tools like nail guns or electric saws. Taking a few extra moments at the beginning of a home construction project to learn how to safely use each of your tools, and ensure everyone on the team knows the same, can go a long way towards preventing accidents and injuries.
Wear Protective Equipment
For some tools, it’s highly recommended that you wear protective equipment. Equipment like eye goggles, gloves, and hard hats can protect you throughout your project but especially when you’re using dangerous equipment. For example, if you’re using an electric saw, wearing goggles can protect your eyes from stray sawdust, and wearing ear protection can guard your ears against the loud noise of the saw. Putting on the protective gear may take a little extra time, but when you’re able to walk away from each job in perfect health, you’ll be glad you did.
Communicate with Your Partners
Most home construction projects require more than one person. If you’re working alongside others, it’s important to practice good communication. Let your partners know what you’re doing and when you’re doing it. Also, encourage them to talk through what they are doing as well. Simple communication examples include letting your partners know when you’re about to turn on a saw, when you’re walking behind them or when there’s something dangerous in the area. A good construction site has constant communication, with everyone letting everyone else know what’s going on around them.
Know What to Do If You’re Injured
Finally, you should know what to do in the event you or someone else is injured. Performing the right action immediately can often prevent an injury from becoming a lot worse. The first thing you can do is ensure you have a stocked first-aid kit on-site and that everyone knows where it is. You should also learn some basic first aid skills, such as how to slow down bleeding or properly bandage an injury. Finally, make sure there is always a working phone nearby so that someone can call an ambulance if necessary. The more people on your team who know what to do in the event of an injury, the safer the entire work environment becomes.
Make Your Next Home Construction Project Safer
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to make your next home construction project a little safer. It’s mostly a matter of making safety a priority and spending time on it. If you can spend a few extra minutes organizing your workspace, learning how to properly use your tools, putting on protective gear, and communicating with your team, it will go a long way towards keeping you and your team safe throughout the project.
