Construction safety starts with preparing a crew to handle some of the more unthinkable scenarios. When storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes kick up, workers need to know exactly what to do and where to go. If you’re wondering how to take the right precautions, keep these tips in mind.
Lighting Crashes
Ground lightning happens up to 25 million times a year in the US, and construction crews are at risk of strikes on a regular basis. If workers are on the roof or working with any kind of steel, their odds of being struck increase exponentially. To prevent lightning strikes, workers need to know how to identify the safest places on the premises. The best place to be will always be inside, but this is not always possible on certain job sites.
If an unexpected storm occurs and workers won’t have access to shelter, everyone will need to get to the lowest possible point on the property or look for clumps of bushes to use as cover. The best position to be in this scenario is in a baseball catcher’s position — one that minimizes contact with the ground. Workers should maintain a safe distance from one another.
Create a Preparation Plan
Storms pose more risks than just lightning strikes, so you’ll need a plan for as many scenarios as possible. Because each job site will be different, every preparation plan needs to be different too. The parameters of your precautions need to address specific hazards on the site long before the skies start to darken. The most detailed plans will also include tasks for each worker to do in the case of an emergency. For example, one might be in charge of securing dangerous tools while another may be in charge of monitoring the weather forecasts.
Talk to Building Officials
Building officials are in charge of keeping statistics on different types of weather events, meaning they likely have relevant tips for construction crews on how to stay safe. Even if your local building officials shared general advice online or in a pamphlet, it’s worth it to have a discussion about the specific jobs your workers will be doing. The more officials know about your project, the more likely it is they’ll be able to give you a heads up as to both the common and uncommon ways that workers can be hurt.
About Haughn & Associates
Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.
