Safety Tips For Demolition Sites

Construction activities often pose a lot of hazards. Whether it is excavation, site preparation, land clearing or demolition, the nature of the tasks and activities involved make such processes extremely dangerous for both the workers and the general public.

Hence, utmost precaution and prevention of any accidents are absolutely essential at such sites. Every now and then, news of construction site incidents makes headlines across Canada.

The most common type of incidents on such sites include:

• Falls from heights
• Falling objects
• Tripping incidents
• Slips

As per the International Labour Organisation, the construction industry has the highest number of incidents globally. Every year, there are about sixty thousand reported accidents on construction sites, and about one thousand employees lose their lives as a result.

In Canada alone, there are about forty thousand accidents (both minor and major) yearly. Hence, the importance of public safety on such sites can not be emphasised enough. However, most construction and site preparation contractors undermine the significance of the subject.

As reputable experts of demolition services that incorporate public safety in their core values, we have stepped forward to enlighten the public regarding the matter. This blog enlists nine safety tips for demolition sites.

Tips To Ensure Safety On Demolition Sites

Clearly, there is no job worth more than an individual’s life. Hence, safety in a work environment is not an extra benefit, but everyone’s right. By following the right procedure and practising precautions, a lot of demolition site accidents can be avoided.

1. Workforce Training

The first and the most critical aspect of any such work is the training of the workforce. Untrained labour is more susceptible to accidents than trained and educated workers.

Hence, any demolition contractor should start by training and educating their employees regarding:

• The equipment to be used,
• The safety precautions to undertake on the site,
• The proper use of Personal Protective Gear (PPE),
• The courses of action to take during an emergency, etc.

2. Inspect The Site And The Equipment

Before commencing work on any site, it should be inspected for potential dangers and hazards. For example, the site may contain damaged walls or broken structures that may be likely to fall off during the demolition process.

Moreover, it’s also important to inspect the machinery and equipment such as aerial lifts and scaffoldings to ensure that they are working properly. Malfunctioning equipment is also responsible for various on-site accidents.

3. Brace And Illuminate The Area

Unstable walls or structures tend to fall without warning. Evidently, numerous incidents involving falling objects are reported every day. If the walls or floors show signs of damage, brace or shore them to avoid them from falling over a passerby or an employee.

4. Shut Down All Utility Lines

Unnoticed gas leaks and so forth may lead to accidental blasts and fires. Thus, it is crucial to shut down or cap all water, electricity, sewer, and gas lines before commencing any work. It is also necessary to inform the utility companies about the demolition work.

5. Perform A Final Sweep

Before starting the demolition process, clean the area and check every room, bathroom, wardrobe for anything that might have been missed during the initial inspection and clean up. There might have been some sharp-edged or piercing objects left behind that might mistakenly drop on a worker during the demolition process.

6. Restrict Entry Into The Dangerous Zones Of The Site

If part of the site has not appropriately been braced or requires more work, restrict employees from going or working in such places. Damaged walls or broken structures may collapse at any time. Hence, the area should have stringent entry controls.

7. Place Proper Warning Signs

Not everyone is aware of the potential dangers on a construction site. For example, a passerby may not know that a particular area is prone to falling objects. But placing appropriate warning signs will alert both the public and the employees of potential dangers.

8. Initiate Demolition Of Structures From Top And Proceed Downwards

This point is common sense but some unskilled employees make such mistakes. The latter re-emphasis the importance of employee training. Employees should be taught never to demolish two stories of a building concurrently. Instead, always begin from the top floor and move downwards.

9. Never Remove Load Supporting Structures Before The Stories Above Have Been Removed

Lastly, it is worthwhile to remember that tampering with supporting structures on lower floors before completely demolishing the upper ones may be detrimental. Hence, never remove the supporting structures before the upper segments are completely brought down.

About Rough Rock Contracting

Boasting an experience of over two and a half decades, Rough Rock is proud to be the top-rated one-stop-shop solution for all your construction and excavation needs. From demolition services to land clearing, site preparation, septic field installation, and much more, the list of our specialities is endless. Get in touch to learn more about us.