In the construction sector, accidents on building sites and at work are frequent and multi-faceted.
This is why it is essential to identify the risk factors and define strict safety rules to ensure the safety of workers.
Types of accidents, reflexes to have, preventive measures… Here is everything you need to know to prevent accidents on the building site.
Construction site accidents: what are they and how to react?
Types of construction site accidents
- Falls from height: a type of fall caused by poorly maintained equipment, dysfunctional installations, poorly lit areas or an inadequate safety plan.
- Falls on the same level: these can be caused by slippery ground, uneven floors, lack of lighting or debris.
- Impacts with moving machinery: this type of accident is mainly due to insufficient training, an obstructed field of vision or a lack of high-visibility PPE in dark environments.
- Impacts with an object: a type of accident resulting from falling scaffolding, objects, materials or tools.
- Electrocution or electrification: less frequent than the other types of accident. It may be due to malfunctions or poor maintenance of electrical installations.
What to do in the event of a site accident?
Here are the first reflexes to have in case of a work accident on a building site:
- Notify the first-aid worker(s) on site;
- Call the emergency services even in case of an insignificant accident: fire brigade, emergency centre or ambulance;
- Make the site safe to avoid over-accidents;
- Declare the accident at work to the Social Security within 48 hours;
- Provide the victim with a work accident certificate;
An investigation will then be opened to determine the responsibility for the accident and possibly review the site safety plan.
How to avoid accidents on building sites?
Because the building and public works sector is undoubtedly the one most affected by accidents at work, it is advisable to set up a prevention plan to ensure the safety of building sites:
1. Identify the causes of accidents
This involves studying the latest accidents recorded to identify the risk factors and causes. For example, a poorly lit work area, loads that are too heavy or the lack of specific PPE can be the source of an accident.
Sometimes, it may simply be that the rules laid down by the team leader or the Health and Safety Coordinator are not sufficient.
2. Protecting workers
The pevention of risks on a construction site requires the wearing of effective individual protective equipment adapted to the different workstations.
A resistant helmet, safety shoes and a pair of gloves are, in our opinion, the basic elements to have to protect oneself from accidents.
However, this outfit can be supplemented by protective glasses, hearing protection and fall protection accessories such as lanyards or harnesses.
If possible, have physical barriers and railings installed where there is a risk of falling. We also recommend that you take out building insurance to cover the costs of possible work-related accidents.
3. Reinforce signage
In addition to PPE, it is also important to secure the high-risk site with collective protection equipment (CPE) such as:
- Safety barriers / guardrails;
- Signs;
- Safety nets;
- Plots;
- Etc.
All safety measures must be included in the site prevention plan. In addition, it is essential to provide adequate training to each worker and new worker.
BATIPRO range by Rostaing: gloves designed for building professionals
We have designed a range for companies and craftsmen that meets the specific needs of each building trade (structural work and finishing work), as well as their versatility in terms of the daily tasks and gestures to be carried out with safety and precision. You can find in this range:
RESCUEPRO
The RESCUEPRO glove has been designed for intensive and sharp work in the world of construction and public works and has the highest levels of mechanical resistance.
This glove is standardised for its protection against shocks and impacts on the back of the hand.
The glove has been developed and tested by the Fire Service for extrication and clearing operations and is a guarantee of performance for all your operations.
GRIPRO
The GRIPRO model is suitable for masonry work and stone handling.
These actions are facilitated by its excellent grip. Moreover, its orange colour is particularly appreciated for its visibility.
MAXIPRO
The MAXIPRO model is the ideal protective glove for all handling work in wet and/or greasy environments. With its fully coated material, it offers full protection for the hand, particularly against the risk of tearing and abrasion.
VIBRAPROTECT
The VIBRAPROTECT, as its name indicates, is specifically designed to protect against vibrations from vibrating machines and tools in accordance with the EN ISO 10819 standard updated in 2019.
This glove is therefore particularly suitable for the construction/civil engineering sector for the handling and use of vibrating equipment such as drills and jackhammers.
BACKPROTECT
The BACKPROTECT reference is standardised against shocks to the back of the hand and resists the risk of crushing. This glove is appreciated for handling bulky and heavy loads. The glove can be worn when building at height and when passing through concrete blocks.
Would you like to know more about our product ranges for construction workers?
Consult our 2022 catalogue to discover all our PPE protective gloves.
Would you like to place an order or become a ROSTAING retailer? Let us know at commercial@rostaing.fr.
For any other question about our products, our product engineers are at your disposal: product@rostaing.fr.
