Because roads are busier in the mornings, most road constructions are done during the nighttime. This allows workers to complete renovations while causing minimal disruptions to traffic and decreasing the risk of vehicle-related accidents. But due to the lessened visibility during night construction, workers are still exposed to hazards. That’s why looking for a reputable safety equipment supplier in the Philippines is important! Keep on reading for a handy guide on night construction safety.
Working during unusual hours will have a big impact on the performance of your workers. Because most people are used to a certain body clock, there might be some adjustments needed to have them be physically ready to work at night. Otherwise, your staff will feel sleepy and unmotivated to complete their tasks at the site.
Because of this, you should be more considerate of your workers on the night shift. Ensure that they’re getting enough rest during the day and allow multiple breaks throughout their duty. Train your managers to monitor for signs of fatigue to prevent accidents from occurring. As much as possible, do not let your staff work past eight hours.
Even though there may be fewer vehicles at night, that doesn’t mean that you should be complacent. With heavy equipment all around the site, other staff won’t be able to see each other easily. Incoming drivers will also have difficulty seeing your staff on open roads. This could lead to accidents.
Because of this, high visibility workwear is a must-have. Due to the neon color, your workers will be more discernible even from afar. On top of these clothes, reflectors are usually added to differentiate people from similar colored traffic barriers. At night, this will also reflect the light from headlights.
In addition, high-visibility workwear is also required during the day, especially on road construction sites where complex backgrounds, vehicles, and equipment can distract workers and pedestrians.
Because low visibility is one of the risks when it comes to night construction, companies utilize traffic management systems to keep pedestrians and drivers away from hazards. These temporary devices can reduce the risk of pedestrians and road users entering the work zones.
For example, orange plastic barriers are commonly used to direct traffic of both people and vehicles. They are usually filled with water to enhance stability and impact resistance. It makes these barricades strong enough to soften the blow from car collisions. Compared to cement barriers, they are easier to move and transport.
Because the Philippines has a long wet season (usually from June to November), you should expect some rain during your construction. The best thing you can do is to delay the work, especially when the weather condition is severe. Always assess the risks involved before you continue on with the project during this season.
Slips, trips, and falls are more likely to happen in wet conditions. Ensure that your workers have proper rain protection gear if they need to complete a task. Aside from raincoats and ponchos that can keep them dry, safety boots that will resist slips are also a must-have.
Don’t forget that your workers will also endure challenges from the heat during the summer months! Make sure you supply your staff with comfortable workwear.
Even if you have trained your staff regarding the risks of night construction, minor accidents can still happen. Sometimes, your workers can also feel too sick to work. To make sure that you’re prepared for any situation, you need to keep first aid supplies on hand. To give you an idea, some of the items that you should include are the following:
Aside from these, having over-the-counter medicine for common conditions such as fever, pain, and diarrhea is also recommended. This way, your workers will feel better before you send them home if they’re ill. You might also want to store a stretcher, spine board, or wheelchair nearby for emergency purposes.
In this guide, you’ve learned about some useful tips for night construction safety.
Be considerate to your workers and allow them to adjust when assigning them to a night shift. Don’t forget both the basic PPE and high-visibility workwear to keep them safe. In case of changes in weather, rain protection gear should also be provided. In addition to this, you can also reduce the risks with traffic barriers and cones. Lastly, if ever there are accidents in the workplace, make sure you are prepared with first-aid supplies.
For all these things and more, you can contact Dels Apparel! In partnership with Delta Philippines, we provide the best safety equipment for different needs. Send a message here.
