Construction work carries with it an enormous amount of risk. There’s an increased likelihood of injuries and fatalities among pedestrians and operators when they’re either operating or surrounded by heavy machinery. Thankfully, construction sites in the Philippines have strict safety precautions in place, as well as highly capable heavy machinery operators who are trained to minimize these instances. Still, it’s important to know your way around a construction site and how to keep yourself safe, especially if you aren’t an operator yourself. These safety tips will come in handy in the event that you find yourself having to visit a construction site or are in close proximity to one.

Familiarise yourself with heavy machinery and their uses

It’s important to acquaint yourself with the different kinds of heavy machinery you’ll encounter in a construction site. In case of emergencies or if a groundworker asks you to avoid a certain piece of equipment, this knowledge will prove useful. It will also help you avoid positioning yourself in their blind spots. In the Philippines, the most common pieces of heavy equipment include articulated haulers, excavators, wheel loaders, and rigid haulers. Know the difference between each of them and their specific uses to ensure your safety around them.

Make sure machines have been inspected before an operation

For extra security, you should double-check with ground workers and operators if they’ve had their machines inspected before operations. Even if it isn’t your job, since construction workers are around heavy equipment every day, they become accustomed to the presence of heavy equipment and do not give much thought to potential risks. You’ll be providing a helpful reminder to construction workers, especially if they haven’t done it already. It’s better to be safe than sorry. A compromised machine is a dangerous machine. Brakes, fluid levels, tires, and headlights should be in good operating condition to avoid hazardous situations.

Acquaint yourself with hazard awareness and safe work practices

You’ll most likely receive a briefing on safety practices before you enter a construction site, but it’s always a good idea to already know these beforehand. Among the most common safety measures you’ll need to know include:

Look for spotters

Spotters oversee the guidance and communication between operators, workers, and pedestrians. They’re a necessary component of construction site safety. They compensate for blind spots and help direct both operators and pedestrians to make sure operations go according to plan. They’re easy to spot since they’re usually wearing bright, visible clothing. They usually communicate instructions through a set of standardized hand signals:

Construction work is a risky but necessary service that can bring ideas to life, no matter how daunting the task. You can ensure the safety of your projects and yourself by following these basic safety practices.

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