As a construction site manager or crew leader, you have multiple jobs to perform. You have to ensure that the project is done correctly, on budget and on time. Weather delays are not in your control. However, construction employee absences are costly when it comes to getting the job done and this is in your control.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) classifies construction as a “high-risk” industry. Compared to other industries, construction workers are more vulnerable to serious injury. Because of this, it’s imperative that each and every worker understand the importance of construction safety checks.

Walk-Around Inspections

Each employee should have a walk-around inspection checklist. This checklist should be completed at the beginning of an employee’s shift, to ensure that their tasks are completed in the safest environments.

Everyone’s walk-around inspection will the different. For instance, a forklift operator will need to walk around and inspect his vehicle, while a construction manager will be responsible for doing an overall jobsite safety inspection.

Here are some examples of what could be on an inspection checklist:

• Ensure everyone is wearing the right safety gear: goggles, helmets, etc.
• Determine that all work areas are clean
• Determine that all exits are properly labeled, and that all emergency exit plans are hung in highly visible areas
• Flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials, should be properly stored