Ways to Improve Contractors’ Safety

​Every occupation or job is prone to some hazards. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a total of 5,250 fatal occupational injuries were registered in 2018. As a contractor or a person managing contractors, there are many ways to keep the workplace safe:

1. Assess and Locate
   Identifying the kinds of hazards can lead to a safe and secure work area for any contractors. One of the main reasons for occupational injuries is assessing and inspecting the dangers lurking in the workplace. When looking for hazards, one must collect data from existing data found internally (equipment manuals and incident reports) and externally.
   
   However, other hazards can happen unexpectedly. To further mitigate sudden accidents and injuries, assessments and inspections should take place regularly.
   
   
2. Educate and Train
   Holding seminars, meetings, and workshops are the best way to let contractors know about occupational safety. These instructions need to have educational materials that are both informative, easy to read, and direct to the point. Some of these educational materials are videos, infographics, and even tests about safety hazards.
   
   Moreover, training individuals about safety hazards should not be a one-time thing. It needs to be a regular part of the job, so contractors will retain what they learned about safety. 
   
   
3. Use the Proper Equipment
   It is essential to procure the correct set of equipment to ensure the safety of contractors. The term ‘equipment’ is a broad term and can mean the contractors’ machinery and tools. It is also defined as the protective equipment that a contractor wears on the site.
   
   Contractors with wrong or malfunctioning equipment will result in fatal injuries and accidents. Moreover, machinery, tools, equipment, and protective gear need to have regular inspections.
   
   
4. Incorporate Technology
   Integrating technology solutions on the site can be beneficial for both the contractors and the managers. Software such as contractor management software solutions refashions the outdated way of assessing contractors’ health and safety metrics. This kind of software can streamline a manager’s work and provide a clearer picture of a contractor’s readiness to work.

Final words
It is the utmost duty of any contractor or a manager to protect themselves from site hazards. Incorporating the tips presented can significantly raise the safety of anyone on the site. As an added precaution, commercial insurance for contractors and trades can be obtained. This type of insurance will guarantee contractors and other trades maximum security and safety.

At Desmond Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (859) 491-5100 or Click Here to request a free quote.