Construction Safety Systems: Promoting A Safer Industry

Published on: 18 August 2023 Last Updated on: 12 September 2024

Safety is a critical factor in any construction site.

However, some construction workers and management overlook safety until an accident happens. Working at a construction site is one of the most dangerous professions since many accidents occur, leading to injuries. Therefore, employers and professionals managing construction projects should use safety systems for ethical and financial reasons.

They should also ensure that the workers understand the risks and are cautious when working in hazardous situations. This is because accidents and injuries in construction sites lead to medical bills, project delays, lost work hours, compensation lawsuits, and headaches for human resource departments.

This piece highlights how construction project managers can promote safety and prevent workplace accidents.

What Is Construction Site Protection?

Construction site protection is nothing but keeping yourself and others from construction-associated activities like injury, disease, and even death. It is often a hazardous endeavor where site employees are exposed to potential risks. For instance, a worker is working at a height or relocating machinery which is extremely heavy. The resulting causes of a construction site fatality include electrocution, falls, and crush injuries.

Common Hazards Taking Place At A Construction Site

Hazards taking place at a construction site have caused deaths and injuries all across the world. When hazard identifications fail, it is either due to a lack of safety systems or improper training. Before we delve into the ways of maintaining construction-place safety, let us first discover what are the common hazards that take place in a site:

Falling From Heights

One of the most common fatal injuries that site workers experience is falling from height. According to HSE, 47% of employee fatalities are caused by falling from heights. Every employee who operates at height requires proper training and the right set of equipment. Although safety harnesses are important at every construction site, some do not wear them and, as a result, fall from height.

Trips, Falls & Slips

Another very common construction hazard is trips, slips, and falls. Construction sites usually have uneven terrain and unchanged terrain. Hence, trips, falls, and slips are no surprises at all. More than seven thousand construction workers are either injured severely or die due to a major trip or fall. It is the duty of managers and site supervisors to manage the site effectively to ensure the safe movement of workers.

Tremendous Noise

A lot of workers have complained about prolonged hearing problems and deafness when they work around loud and repetitive noises. They are also a dangerous distraction that distracts a worker from his job and results in accidents. A comprehensive assessment stating noise risk must be highlighted to avoid noise-related construction site hazards.

Steps To Maintain Safety In A Construction Site

Workplace safety is a significant consideration- irrespective of where you work. But when it comes to construction, particularly, one must always be careful. Even the smallest mistake can result in a life-altering consequence. Thinking about how to do so? Here are a set of steps that might help you:

Create Awareness About Safety Hazards

Ignorant workers are among the most significant dangers because they could make terrible mistakes, putting everyone at risk. Construction site managers should ensure the workers understand the possible hazards before they set foot on a construction site.

Understanding the risks ensures workers stay alert to prevent and respond to accidents. Therefore, employers should use OSHA safety guidelines to equip workers with the necessary knowledge to enhance safety. Only workers or visitors aware of the dangers of a construction site should be allowed access.

Quality Equipment

Workers need quality equipment and a spacious workplace to perform their tasks without causing accidents. Wrong or faulty equipment increases the chances of accidents and injuries. Therefore, construction managers should pay attention to equipment maintenance schedules and provide quality safety systems. They can also seek help from Doka and other companies that provide safety systems and equipment. It is also crucial to prevent exposure-related issues such as dehydration by providing water and using personal protective equipment.

Training Workers

Some construction workers gain skills on the job, but safety training is best offered before accessing the site. The authorities concerned with workplace safety often publish resources to help construction companies train their workers.

For example, they provide worksheets, pamphlets, training videos, and sometimes one-on-one training. Safety training is important not just for new workers but also for experienced workers. Therefore, construction firms should organize training to ensure all the workers gain or refresh their safety knowledge. The safety training can focus on simple things such as using a ladder or fall protection to ensure all the workers are well informed.

Documentation

Proper documentation is crucial for workplace safety. Construction sites must meet certain legal and safety standards before construction work begins. Therefore, construction firms should only commence operations with relevant licenses and documents. Contractors undertaking specific tasks such as blasting must provide relevant certification before accessing the site. Documentation protects the construction firm and helps prevent accidents and public scrutiny.

Effective Communication

Accidents usually happen when the workers are unaware of what to do or expect in a certain situation. However, sharing information about construction goals, objectives, and daily activities can reduce surprises or mistakes that could cause harm. Besides, the construction management should provide communication devices and tools such as headsets, walkie-talkies, and smartphones to ensure effective communication about workplace hazards. Effective communication ensures everyone is informed, enhancing operations and reducing safety risks.

Supervision

Construction employees should always follow the relevant safety guidelines and institute mitigation measures. However, since not all workers will follow the relevant procedures, supervision can help identify loopholes and enforce safety standards. For example, supervisors should keep tabs on all workers and ensure they have relevant safety gear. The workers should report any safety concerns to the supervisor for appropriate mitigation measures.

The Bottom Line… Stay Safe!

Construction companies should build quality structures while minimizing accidents, injuries, deaths, and related lawsuits.

The hope of reducing accidents in construction sites lies in raising awareness, safety training, effective communication, supervision, documentation, and quality equipment.

These simple things can help reduce accidents, enhance safety, and prevent legal issues associated with workplace accidents.

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Shahnawaz Alam

Shahnawaz is a passionate and professional Content writer. He loves to read, write, draw and share his knowledge in different niches like Technology, Cryptocurrency, Travel,Social Media, Social Media Marketing, and Healthcare.

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Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path In 2024?

"Is real estate investment trusts a good career path?" the answer to this question is absolute ‘Yes.’ This business is already attracting lots of beginner investors into the market because it consists of a high return on investment. REITs are actually companies that own finance-producing real estate across various sectors, and investors get huge benefits from this. However, there are a number of requirements to qualify as real estate investment trusts (REITs). The main purpose of this company is to help communities grow, revitalize, and thrive. This real estate investment trust is located in every state and is considered a crucial part of the United States economy. Now, discuss this in detail. What Is A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)? As already discussed above, a real estate investment trust or REIT is an investment property that funds income-generating real estate assets. This fund is managed by a firm of shareholders who invest funds in properties such as timberlands, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, warehouses, apartment buildings, etc. A REIT is similar to an exchange-traded fund (ETF) or mutual fund. A mutual fund aggregates a number of securities or stocks into a single group. Then, rather than purchasing individual fund shares, investors can purchase shares of a mutual fund. In a similar way, investors can acquire shares or partial ownership in a real estate investment trust to reap the financial benefits of investing in multiple pieces of real estate or other securities simultaneously. An advantage of real estate investment trusts is that they offer good investment returns to the investors. This factor is attracting many to invest in this asset. Now, what do you think, Is real estate investment trusts a good career path? How Does A Company Qualify As A REIT? There are some requirements for a company to qualify for real estate investment trusts, and these requirements are listed below: You need to have at least a hundred shareholders. Fifty percent of the shares should not be held by five or fewer individuals. The company should be managed by trustees or a board of directors. Be an entity that is taxable as a corporation. The company must pay at least ninety percent of its taxable income as shareholder profits each year. Obtain a minimum of 75% of its gross income from rents, mortgage, or sales of real estate Lastly, invest at least 75% of its total assets in real estate. How Can You Invest In Real Estate Investment Trusts? An investor or a company must buy stocks just like public stock. The investors may buy shares in an exchange-traded fund or REIT mutual fund. On the other hand, there are many jobs available in real estate investment trust, and these include asset management, property management, development, and much more. Pros Of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path? There are some pros and cons of REITs that you need to consider before choosing a real estate investment as a career path. Have a look at these below-described pros of real estate investment trusts: i). Performance: This is proven to perform well due to the appreciation of commercial properties. ii). Diversification: Investing in REIT is regarded as an investment portfolio where the securities and other stocks are down. iii). Dividends: Provides a stable income stream for investors. iv). Liquidity: You can easily buy and purchase shares in the market. v). Transparency: This investment trust is traded on vital stock exchanges that operate under the same rules. Cons Of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path? Now, let’s know the major cons related to real estate investment trusts, and these are described below: i). Minimal Control: If you are investing in this firm, then be prepared because you cannot control operational decisions, such as plans and strategies. ii). Management Fees: You may be charged with high transactions and administrative fees. iii). Investment Risk: There are some factors that can affect your investment, and this includes tax laws, geography, debt, interest rates, and property valuation. iv). High Tax Payment: The dividends can be taxed the same as normal income, and this is the drawback of REIT. Here, you may have some clarity to your question, “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path”. V). Slow Growth: More than 90% of profits are given back to investors, and only ten percent are reinvented. What Are The Different Types Of REITs? There are actually five types of real estate investment trusts, and these are described below: 1. Mortgage REITs There is only ten percent of REIT investments are in the mortgage, and this is regarded to be very less risky. For diversifying your portfolio, you must consider this investment for your firm. 2. Office REITs The name of this investment trust itself signifies that these are investments in office buildings. Office real estate investment trusts get income from the rental income. However, there are some major factors, such as vacancy rates, employment rates, capital, etc., that you need to consider if you are interested in office rent. 3. Healthcare REITs Healthcare REITs are an excellent choice as in the US; healthcare costs are rising rapidly. This type of trust includes nursing homes, retirement homes, medical centers, hospitals, etc. Hence, it is directly involved in the development of the healthcare system. 4. Residential REITs Residential REITs include several kinds of rental properties like PGs, job holders, etc. However, before considering this know the economic growth, vacancy rate, job opportunities, and the population. 5. Retail REITs It is estimated that around twenty-four percent of the total REITs are owned by retail. Therefore, investing in these real estate investment trusts can be the best decision that you can consider in 2024. What Are The Best Paying Jobs In Real Estate Investment Trust? Now that you know the answer to “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path,” it is time for you to know about something important! Before you can figure out how many jobs are available in real estate investment trusts, you need to know which REIT jobs pay the best. Our research indicates that sales representatives, leasing agents, broker positions, fund managers, and a variety of other positions in real estate investment trusts (REITs) are the ones with the highest pay. The advantages will increase more when you own your own land ventures. Presently, we should talk about the top divisions that get the most significant pay in the land venture trusts. 1. Asset Manager The Asset Management department of REITs is in charge of monitoring the portfolio's financial and operational performance. They manage client assets in accordance with investment preferences and goals. Additionally, these managers create, manage, and organize client portfolios. It is quite possibly the most lucrative work, with compensations going from $70,000 to $1,000,000. They must keep an eye on the business's financial and operational success. They are also in charge of marketing, finding investors, and checking the returns. Asset management can be a lucrative career choice, particularly for students of investment banking, finance, and economics with strong performance. BlackRock was the largest asset management company in the world at the end of 2019, managing approximately 7043 trillion dollars in assets. Subsequently, this is actually a colossal sum! 2. Property Manager You might be surprised to learn that there are currently approximately 15,000 property managers employed in the United States, and this number is increasing. A property manager's duties include communicating with customers and negotiating the best prices for the sale or rental of property. They handle everything, from leasing to collections and property upkeep. The best part is that applicants need not meet any minimum requirements to apply for this position. This job pays anywhere from $55,000 to $65,000 per year, and one of the best things about it is how quickly it can grow. 3. Acquisitions Because they have to find and evaluate potential acquisition targets, working for this job profile requires a lot of analysis. There are many job opportunities in this sector, and the good news is that it pays well—about $80,000 per year. They must be adept at problem-solving and aware of new revenue-generating investment opportunities. This position is one of the best in the real estate investment trust industry. Securing divisions gives paying positions in land speculation trusts. However, this is a real estate industry position with a lot of finance. 4. Investor Relations All communication with REIT shareholders that faces the outside world is managed by this department of real estate investment management. A typical administration financial backer procures up to $150,000. This is huge, and it is regarded as the REIT's highest-paying job position. This is your opportunity to work in the finance and accounting division. The best thing about it is that it pays well and has good potential for growth. In addition, organizing and preparing for the annual meeting, which includes writing a proxy statement and an annual report for the business, is part of the job of investor relations. Presently, to land this position, you will need a college degree with a foundation in money or bookkeeping. 5. Real Estate Investor This is quite possibly the best work in the land venture trust industry in light of the fact that, notwithstanding the significant compensation, there are great possibilities of headway in this industry. Their primary function is to help people become financially independent by investing in real estate. Before investing and trading, this job requires extensive market research, which takes time. It will be mentally and physically demanding because you will be required to carry out a variety of tasks, such as inspecting, maintaining, flipping, purchasing, and restoring the properties. They can increase the value of their investments as a result of all of this. You really want a degree in bookkeeping, money, or business to turn into a genuine financial backer since you want to think of ways of improving ventures for you as well as your clients. A land financial backer procures somewhere in the range of $15,000 to $15,000 each year. Bottom Line: Real Estate Investment Trusts Is A Good Career Path You might have got the answer to your question, “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path”. Consider the pros, cons, and types of real estate investment trusts (REITs), and then you can decide whether it is good for your career path or not. However, according to the experts, REITs are considered a good career path! You May Also Like: Is Energy A Good Career Path Is Business Services A Good Career Path Is Other Consumer Services A Good Career Path

10 Essential Tips For Finding The Right Assisted Living Facility

Choosing an assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one is a big decision. And make no mistake, it's not easy. But with the right approach, you can find a place that feels like home. Read on for ten essential tips to guide you through the process. 1. Start Early Don't wait for a crisis. For those who have decided to go about finding assisted living, begin your search well in advance. This gives you time to explore options without pressure. You can visit multiple facilities and ask plenty of questions. Starting early means less stress and better decisions. 2. Determine Your Needs And Preferences Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. Consider medical needs, lifestyle preferences, and social activities. Do you need memory care? How about physical therapy? What about religious services or cultural programs? Knowing what you want helps narrow down your choices. 3. Location, Location, Location Think about proximity to family and friends. It matters. A convenient location means more visits and better support. Consider the neighborhood, too. Is it safe? Are there parks or shops nearby? The right location can greatly improve the quality of life. 4. Assess The Staff Pay attention to the staff during your visits. Are they friendly and attentive? Do they seem rushed or stressed? The quality of care often depends on the staff. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios and turnover rates. Happy staff usually means happy residents. 5. Check For Safety Features Safety is crucial in assisted living. Look for emergency response systems in rooms. Check for handrails in hallways and bathrooms. Are the floors non-slip? How about the lighting? Don't forget to ask about their emergency procedures. A safe environment brings peace of mind. 6. Evaluate The Living Spaces Take a close look at the accommodations. Are they clean and well-maintained? Do they feel homey? Check out both private and shared spaces. Look for storage options and accessibility features. Remember, this will be someone's home. It should feel comfortable and inviting. 7. Review The Services And Amenities Different facilities offer different services. Some provide basic assistance with daily living, while others offer extensive medical care. Look into meal options, housekeeping services, and transportation. Don't forget about social activities and fitness programs. The right mix of services can greatly enhance quality of life. 8. Understand The Costs Assisted living can be expensive. Get a clear breakdown of all costs. What's included in the base rate? What costs extra? Ask about potential future price increases. Check if they accept long-term care insurance or Medicaid. Understanding the financial aspect helps avoid surprises down the road. 9. Read The Fine Print Carefully review the contract before signing. Look at the admission and discharge policies. Understand the billing practices. Check the rules about visitors and overnight stays. If something's unclear, ask for clarification. Don't hesitate to have a lawyer review the contract if needed. 10. Trust Your Instincts After all the research, don't ignore your gut feeling. Does the facility feel right? Can you picture yourself or your loved one living there? Sometimes, intuition can guide you to the best choice. If something feels off, it probably is. Keep looking until you find a place that feels just right. Remember, finding the right assisted living facility takes time and effort. But it's worth it. The right place can provide comfort, care, and a sense of community. It can greatly improve the quality of life for seniors. So take your time, do your research, and make an informed decision. Your future self (or your loved one) will thank you for it. What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages Of An Assisted Living Facility Considering a move to an assisted living community? To make an educated decision, it’s important to understand the positives and negatives. Here, we lay out both sides of the equation. Pros Of Assisted Living One big advantage of this type of living is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that help is always available. Whether it’s with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or managing medications can be incredibly reassuring. You or your loved one can maintain a sense of independence, while still having access to support when needed. Another perk is the sense of community. Residents can socialize with others through organized activities, communal dining, and shared spaces. This can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which is especially important for seniors. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you or your loved one will be surrounded by peers and friendly faces? Facilities also have many on-site services that can really simplify your life. From housekeeping and laundry to meal preparation, these services free up your time for more enjoyable activities. In addition, many facilities offer fitness programs, transportation services, and even beauty salons or barber shops, which add a level of convenience and quality of life. Cons Of Living In An Assisted Living Facility On the flip side, there are a few potential downsides to consider. Firstly, the cost can be a major concern. Assisted living is typically expensive, and most insurance plans don’t cover it. Do you understand what the monthly fee does and doesn’t include? Are there any additional services that require extra fees? How will these costs deplete long-term savings? Secondly is the loss of independence. While help is available if needed or requested, some people find that the structured setting of assisted living feels restrictive or institutional to them. Will you or your loved one chafe under new rules and schedules? Some seniors miss the freedom to come and go as they please in their own homes. Choose Wisely! Finally, not all facilities are created equal. Some may only be able to provide a certain level of medical care, requiring a move to another facility as health needs progress. Does the facility you’re looking at have the capacity to care for future health issues? Ultimately, it’s a very personal decision and one that should be based on your own preferences in addition to your financial resources and long-term goals. Visit different facilities, ask lots of questions, and go with your gut. You’ll know when you’ve found the right fit because it feels just right! In terms of a good fit between independence, support, and comfort. Read Also: All You Need to Know About Pool Maintenance Services Best Essential Tips While Renting a Warehouse in Mumbai Why do modern people prefer Coliving to other housing options?

Which Bollards are more suited for Perimeter Protection of your Building?

Today, safety is becoming increasingly paramount. With the proliferation of crime in modern societies as well as an alarming lack of virtuousness and moral discipline, it has become very crucial for everyone to protect his life and his property. Of course, the government cannot do it alone. It is thus no surprise that more people are adopting safety bollards for safeguarding their properties. Safety bollards are critical to the perimeter security plan of your building. Integrated into this security plan, your safety bollards present the necessary security infrastructure preventing illegal trespassing into your property or violation of your perimeter. Different Types of Bollards in the Market- When it comes to bollards, there are two convenient options. These are the crash rated bollards and the un-rated crash bollards. The former finds application in high-security scenarios where the risk percentage is higher with a more significant threat factor. For a safety bollard to safely pass as crash rated, it must be tested under controlled conditions. These conditions are specifically designed to ascertain the quality of the bollards and if industry crash rating standards are satisfied. How to Choose a Crash-Tested Bollard? One eminent crash-rating standard is the K-ratings. This standard has been in observance since 1985 upon its adoption by the US Department of State (DoS). By 2003, the K-rating standard was further revised by the Department of Defense (DoD). Observing the K-rating, bollards are fundamentally required to undergo live testing. Here in this specific test, the bollards will be subjected to an impact payload of 15,000 lb, which it is expected to withstand. Such tolerance to high impact payloads should be in such a way that set penetration distances are not compromised. Such an arrangement is one efficient measure of determining the vehicle speed your bollard can withstand or stop. Therefore we have variants like the k12 for 50mph, k8 for 40mph and K4 for 30mph. Another standard worth mentioning is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) measure. Again, this standard for rating bollards is a brainchild of the DoD and the DoS. This standard measures vehicle penetration. This standard incorporates ratings for pickup trucks, bulky goods vehicles as well as small passenger cars. The reality is that for their enhanced fortification levels, crash rated bollards come at a higher price than ordinary bollards. Their installation process also comes with a bit of technicality. It is worth bearing in mind that prominent features like automatic deployment as well as retractability will need notable maintenance exercises. These exercises are geared towards keeping your bollard in its best working conditions. For the un-rated crash bollards, they are more suitable for those scenarios where the threat factor is unexaggerated. Un-rated crash bollards like steel pipe security posts can withstand reasonable impact. Conclusion However, you shouldn’t be expecting such tolerance (to higher impact payload) as in the case of bollards that are crash rated. Un-rated crash bollards are also referred to as bumper posts. To improve their impact resistance, such bollards should be buttressed with concrete reinforcements. Lastly, here is the code. For situations where the aesthetic essence of your bollard is more critical than its impact tolerance, you can readily go for the likes of steel pipe security posts, which are very cost-effective. However, in situations where the risk or threat factor is very high, ignore the price and go for bollards that are crash rated. Read Also: Top 10 Effective Tips To Keep Your Home Safe 5 Ways A Home Maintenance Plan Can Prevent Disaster Deciphering The Myths About Home Security Cameras

Construction Safety Systems: Promoting A Safer Industry

What Is Construction Site Protection?