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What do a tennis ball, a child, and a pocketknife have in common? All three of these innocuous-seeming items were responsible for fatal construction accidents that occurred in the United States during 2019.
The reality is that the construction industry continues to be one of the most dangerous fields to work in. Falling from a ladder, equipment accidents, and electrocutions all accounted for thousands of deaths last year. As a safety contractor, though, you understand that doing everything within your power is crucial for protecting your employees and your profit margins.
The following guide is all about helping you do both by outlining which construction site signs you should use to make your job sites safer. Keep reading to learn more!
Safety First!
Safety is always the top priority on any construction site. Part of keeping everyone safe is observing all the posted signs and following the instructions they provide.
Everyone on site, from the workers to the visitors, should know where these signs are posted and what they say. Taking a few minutes to read and understand the signs can help prevent accidents and injuries.
The Different Safety Signs You May Need to Display
These signs can be used to warn employees of potential hazards, provide information on how to work in the area safely, or provide general safety information. Some of the most common safety signs include:
1. Hard Hats Required
When it comes to safety on the construction project, one of the most important things you can do is make sure that everyone is wearing a hard hat. You may need to display a hard hat required safety sign that is usually brightly colored and clearly states that hard hats are required in the area, especially if you have a job site that is exposed to potential hazards.
2. Do Not Enter: Construction Site
Many dangers come with entering a construction site without permission. Entering a construction site without permission is trespassing and trespassers will also be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Construction sites are riddled with risks that can result in workplace accidents, significant injury, or even death. Heavy machinery is just one of the dangers that are present on construction sites.
Excavators are the most common type of heavy machinery you’ll see on a construction site. These giant machines are used to dig holes and move dirt and debris. You’ll also see bulldozers and cranes. However, if this machinery needs a full range of part replacements, just click here for the options and guide you will need.
3. Wear Safety Glasses
Wearing safety glasses is one of the most critical safety precautions on a construction job. Reminding workers to wear safety glasses can help ensure that everyone on the site is aware of the importance of this safety measure. It may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in preventing injuries on a construction site.
4. Traffic Signs
Construction sites need to have marked traffic signs that indicate the dangers that are present. These signs should be brightly colored and easy to read so that they can be easily seen by everyone who is entering the construction site.
5. Detour Signs
These signs notify drivers of a change in the normal flow of traffic. They are used to direct traffic around a construction site, detour, or obstruction.
Detour signs are usually placed in advance of the obstruction they are intended to detour around. And they should be placed far enough in advance so that drivers have plenty of time to see the sign and react to it.
6. High-visibility Clothing
There is a wide variety of high-visibility clothing available for construction workers, depending on the type of work they are doing. The most common type of high-visibility clothing is a vest, which is worn over the worker’s regular clothing.
Most high-visibility clothing is made from a fluorescent material that reflects light, making the worker visible to others. Other types of this clothing include shirts, jackets, and pants.
7. Pedestrian Signs
The majority of construction site pedestrian signs are composed of durable materials such as metals or plastics. They are usually brightly colored with pictures or words to indicate what they are for.
These signs are placed around the construction site to let pedestrians know where it is safe to walk. Sometimes, the signs will have arrows to show pedestrians the safe route to take.
8. Fire Exit Signs
Fire Exit Signs for construction sites must be highly visible and marked. They should be placed in strategic locations near exits and fire extinguishers. All employees should be familiar with the locations of these signs and should know the proper procedures for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire.
9. Regulatory Signs
On building sites, there are various sorts of regulatory signage. These signs help control traffic, notify workers of hazards, and provide other important information.
Some of the most common regulatory signs for construction sites include yield signs, speed limit signs, and stop signs. Construction workers and drivers must be aware of these signs and obey them to keep everyone safe.
10. Explosion-proof Signs
This sign is used to warn of potential hazards that could cause an explosion. Explosion-proof signs are typically made of metal or other sturdy materials and are designed to withstand the force of a blast.
They are typically prominent and highly visible so that workers and passersby can easily see them. When choosing explosion-proof signs, it is important to select ones that are specifically designed for the type of hazard present at the construction site.
Display These Construction Site Signs To Keep Everyone Informed
It’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers on a construction site and to take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. Construction site signs can help make everyone aware of the potential hazards and help prevent accidents. If you don’t know what signs you need to put up, ask your safety officer or check the OSHA website.
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