Safety is the most important element of a commercial build project. As a people-first construction management organization, Freedom Construction and Consulting takes the safety and well-being of our clients, partners, and employees seriously and we prioritize construction safety standards over all other aspects of our projects. Knowing how to stay safe during commercial build projects is a foundational component of our construction management services and by adhering to a few best practice construction safety standards, we ensure every project is completed with health and personal protection at top of mind. 

Situational Awareness

Construction management requires a strong ability to oversee multiple aspects of a commercial build project at once. From supply delivery and scaffolding, to forklifts and loading docks, every construction zone presents a unique set of potential safety hazards that need to be identified and controlled. Understanding how to navigate potential construction safety hazards comes hand-in-hand with a keen eye for detail and proper situational awareness. 

• Recognition – Safety-first construction management means leading every project with a full analysis of all potential hazards and the recording and distribution of proper control measures.
• On-Site Population – Proper construction safety demands full awareness of every person on the job site, from trade contractors and vendors, to clients and investors.
• Focused and Alert – Construction managers are responsible for ensuring all job site individuals are focused not only on the project, but also on their surroundings,  with safety and injury prevention in mind.

Proper Equipment, Protection, and Clothing

Keeping a safe construction zone means ensuring all job site workers are properly dressed and equipped with the tools and protection gear needed to execute their responsibilities. Construction safety management requires knowledge about the proper safety gear for each independent role and access to the right tools for the job. Providing the proper equipment, protection, and clothing on the job site reduces risk and preventable injury.

• Equipment – Construction site workers need access to the right tools, machinery, and technology to fulfill their responsibilities without risk of injury.
• Protection – Construction safety hinges on a construction manager’s ability to ensure crewmembers properly utilize the correct protective equipment on the job site, including items like earplugs, reflective vests, hard hats, steel-toed and non-skid footwear, and gloves.
• Clothing – Construction managers need to ensure all job site personnel wear well-fitting clothing that cannot get caught easily in machines or cause falls – preferably with notable branding so clients can distinguish site staff from other visitors. 

Lifting, Loading, and Elevation Safety

Falls in the workplace are the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the construction industry. Proper lifting techniques, loading equipment, and elevation protocol is vital to construction safety and keeps construction workers safe while they navigate potential hazards. Everything from stacks of lumber to ramps and roofing requires special consideration to keep the workplace safe and secure.

• Lifting – Construction safety depends on workplace adherence to proper lifting posture and multiple-person lifting tactics whenever necessary.
• Loading – Non-slip loading docks, steps, and ramps should be utilized in conjunction with proper training and licensing for equipment like forklifts.
• Elevation – Scaffolding, ladders, and safety harnesses are critical construction safety components and need to be in good working order with careful construction and stability measures in place.

Cleanliness and Organization

Construction safety hinges on a construction manager’s ability to keep their project spaces clean and organized for the duration of the project. A clean and organized construction zone is a safe construction zone, with careful attention given to the management of debris and potential exposure to hazardous materials. 

• Spills – Chemicals, oils, and solvents require immediate resolution to not only ensure the safety of people on site, but also prevent damage to construction materials. 
• Supplies – All tools, materials, and equipment must be put away when not in use, as they become a potential safety hazard on an empty job site. 
• Organization – Construction safety depends on strong organizational skills and effective communication regarding appropriate hazard prevention for every individual on the job site.

Robust Construction Safety Program

Construction safety revolves around a strong safety program that accounts for hazard identification, prevention steps, and distribution of safety information to all constituents. A good construction safety program has both a standard set of safety protocols and a flexible, independent section of safety information that can be customized with each job. Construction safety is only as strong as the safety program’s reach and adoption by the employees and contractors who work on site.

• Prevention – An established set of hazard prevention regulations help keep everyone safe on the job site.
• Reporting – Despite the best safety standards, injuries do sometimes occur and every construction manager needs a reporting mechanism to capture injuries and make adjustments for future projects.
• Distribution – Even the best construction safety program isn’t helpful when hidden in a binder. Safety standards need to be hung in employee areas, talked about by leaders regularly, and provided in writing to individual construction site personnel at the start of every project. 

Construction safety is the most important aspect of construction management as it keeps employees, contractors, and clients safe throughout the duration of the build project. Are you seeking a people-first construction management team that prioritizes the safety and wellness of our partners, clients, and project sites? Connect with Freedom Construction and Consulting to learn about our safety protocol and discover how we can deliver your commercial build project with safety and integrity.