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Construction Safety Manual

Construction Safety Manual

Every sector of the construction industry needs to have a safety manual to meet Occupational  Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards.  Often it's thought that huge building projects with contractors, large machinery, scaffolding, and the like are the ones that need to worry about meeting OSHA standards.  While those types of construction projects do need to meet OSHA standards and have safety manuals to support their workers, the self employed sub-contractor (think plumber, roofer, dry wall installer, electrician), and small businesses also need to have construction safety manuals.   Often underwriting from insurance companies is dependent upon the businesses safety manual which also makes it a necessity.

Finding or writing a good manual can be a daunting task.  From analyzing the risks for the particular field, to making a safety plan, and explaining emergency procedures – companies don't want to leave anything out.

Analyzing all Risks

In considering a safety manual, it should include all risks associated with the particular business or industry.  Some areas to think about are:

·         knowing the safety guidelines for all equipment that will be used by employees

·         checking building spaces, and work sites for slip and fall hazards

·         examining electrical equipment and outlets for safe operation and avoidance of overloading circuits

·         thinking about safety equipment that should be used and/or worn by employees

Making a Plan

Once the risks are analyzed, putting a plan in place in terms of guidelines for all equipment and rules on the job should be included in the manual.  Items to include might be:

·         employees must read and be familiar with equipment safety guidelines

·         emergency plans and exit maps should be included and exit drills practiced

·         safety hats and closed toed shoes should be worn in work areas

·         employees should use caution in catwalks, stairs and all elevated areas and use the appropriate harnesses

·         safety glasses and gloves should be worn when performing particular tasks

Emergency Procedures

After a manual has been created that analyzes the risks and addresses a plan to be safe with those risks, emergency procedures must be addressed.  Things can and will go wrong and all employees need to know how to handle emergencies. 

·         location of fire exits, extinguishers and axes should be noted

·         first aid kits should be prominently visible and available

·         hazmat showers should be identifiable

·         instructions for dealing with open wounds and blood should be included

·         after hour injuries such as sprains and strains should be addressed

·         explanations of how to apply for workers compensation and sample forms should be included

·         company contact information should be available

Distribution

Every employee should be given a safety manual.  They should also have to sign a form acknowledging receipt of such manual and a statement that they have read and understand what is included.  Having manuals available in both English and Spanish can be helpful for a diverse field of employees.

Best Manuals

While this may all seem overwhelming, eSafetymanual.com can help.  eSafety Manual specializes in creating safety manuals for everything from day care centers to general contractors.  They specialize in construction safety manuals and include manuals in both English and Spanish for over 25 construction industry specialties.  While OSHA doesn't endorse manuals from any company, eSafety Manuals meet all OSHA standards.  Turning a daunting task into an affordable and easy option is possible with eSafety Manuals.

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