There is one sad reality. Construction accidents are sad to see and attorneys are no stranger to representing individuals who’ve been affected by these accidents. That said, a construction accident can almost always be prevented, especially if individual workers take steps to keep themselves safe. So, whether your main concern is avoiding injury or simply making it to retirement, here are the steps to take as a construction worker to keep yourself safer, even if you’re always working.
Lift Weights and Train Physically
If you’re completing many hours of construction work, your muscles and joints will begin to break down. Pain and discomfort will be inevitable. To improve endurance and overall strength, routine weight training exercises are essential for helping you lift, carry, climb, and bend. Focus on building the muscles you use the most–for example, your arms and legs–before any other muscles. The sooner you’re prepared physically for the long hours you’re put in, the sooner you’ll be able to say you’re not at risk of injury.
Break Physically Demanding Tasks Down into Smaller Priorities
A survey group of 1,609 contractors and 652 consumers found that 13% of those who responded said roofing was the most physically challenging construction job, with 23% saying electrical work was the most difficult to learn. But while some types of construction work may require a steeper learning curve, it’s the most physically demanding task that takes some getting used to. Experienced construction workers will find ways to break down the most physically complex tasks into smaller priorities that can be addressed sooner rather than later. By handling those smaller tasks right away, construction workers exert less energy and still get more done, reducing the risk of injury due to overexertion or exhaustion.
Be Wary of the Work Other Construction Workers Are Doing
A construction site at a train station might be more hectic than one located in a housing development. For construction workers, the number of workers on the job can make a particularly demanding job easier to complete. But as much as you have to worry about your safety, you’ll find it’s important to look out for your colleagues as well. Be on the lookout for signs a fellow worker is in danger or needs help and learn to respond proactively. The most effective construction work is done when the entire team is acting as one, each and every construction member looking out for the best interests of those they’re working with. If you notice something, say something, and in the end, the entire team will be grateful. Safe construction work begins with awareness.
Follow all Construction Safety Policies No Matter What
Of all the reasons for keeping safe, construction workers who don’t listen don’t do the team any favors on the site. The rules and safety procedures are in place to stop freak accidents from happening. Often, tragedy occurs because of a variable that was unaccounted for that should have never been introduced into the equation. Among the most important construction safety regulations to follow include the need to wear personal protective equipment and always have a safe place to store tools and equipment. Even then, without an emergency plan in place, the worst accidents can happen that you might not be able to get compensation for in the future. As long as you’re following the policies, you’ll be protected should you get injured. Construction safety is about awareness and learning to be reactive to change.
Eat Healthy and Drink Plenty of Water
Believe it or not, anyone can have bad habits. Eating too much sugary junk food or high-calorie fast food will cost you productivity when it’s time to get to work. The best construction workers take their time to bring a healthy lunch to work instead of opting for the nearest Mcdonald’s. Healthy eating translates to improved concentration, agility, and endurance that are required in a hard job. Construction workers who don’t eat well could collapse or be slow on the job. And those who don’t consume enough water put everyone at risk if they suffer dehydration.
Construction safety is important. So too, are workers who get home happily. If you’re doing your part to stay well and following all the policies, there may never be a reason to contact a lawyer for a construction accident. Staying aware of your surroundings and colleagues is critical. Now you have everything you need to stay safe on the job, even when you’re working longer than usual.