What Spring Means for Florida Construction Sites & Safety

READ MORE \| Why Site Selection Is Critical for Industrial Projects in Coastal Florida, Part 1

For many, March marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. While this definitely signifies that brighter days are ahead, it also brings new workplace safety challenges. Typically, the changing of the seasons means employees will now need to deal with increased outdoor work, ladder safety concerns, and weather-related risks.

Here are the top safety concerns Florida construction companies need to address as the seasons shift:

Fall Prevention

Over 20% of workplace injuries are due to slips, trips, and falls. Even more daunting, slips and trips cause 15% of all accidental workplace deaths. Most frequently, these tragedies occur when a site has wet or uneven surfaces, employees are wearing poor footwear, or cords go unsecured. As spring’s rainy season begins, accidents like these increase and are among the most reported in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction environments.

Some safety measures you can take to ensure a safe construction site for your employees:

• Non-slip mats for entryways and high-traffic areas
• Clean spills and wet floors immediately, taking care to also post warning signs
• Set a requirement for employees to wear proper footwear with slip-resistant soles.
• Conduct regular workplace hazard inspections

Weather Preparedness

The start of March tends to bring severe weather events, such as tornadoes and heavy rain. High winds during these events can turn unsecured objects into dangerous items that cause injuries. Additionally, power outages and flooding can and will disrupt construction operations, causing construction projects to experience significant delays.

To avoid these pitfalls, try:

• Reviewing and updating Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for different severe weather scenarios
• Conducting severe weather drills, including evacuation routes and shelter locations
• Ensuring all employees have access to emergency communication
• Text alerts, sirens, intercoms
• Secure outdoor objects and structures

To learn more or to speak with a professional, visit our Contact Us page.

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