Safety FAQ's | Midwest Group
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Safety FAQ’s

Safety

FAQ’s

by Deanna Henderson,
Safety Officer

Have you ever wondered what safety factors are most often overlooked on a construction job site or in the office? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions with some helpful answers that could better enable you to practice safe procedures while on the job.

Q. What are the most often overlooked safety factors onsite or in the office?

  • Paying attention to your surroundings – know what is happening in your environment that could pose a risk to your safety.
  • Having an emergency response plan – this should be prepared in advance so you are not scrambling to find necessary information in case of an emergency.
  • Office ergonomics – the effects of consistently poor posture and unsuitable workstation layouts are usually delayed, but they can be detrimental to your long-term health.


Q. What is the biggest challenge when trying to enforce workplace safety?

  • The most challenging part is helping workers understand that safety procedures are worth the time and effort. Safety needs to be recognized as a serious consideration, especially when there are heavy and dangerous tools involved.

Q. In terms of safety training, what is most valuable for employees aside from job specific training?

  • Site safety orientations – these provide the most basic details of the safety hazards on the job-site and the PPE required.
  • Toolbox meetings – these often occur weekly, and it is important to engage in them to update yourself on new hazards, dangers, and changes on site.
  • First-aid training – studies show that only 30-40% of first aiders with training will actually recall how to handle an emergency. The more employees with training, the better.


Q. What are the greatest workplace hazards, and what can be done to prevent injury?

  • Complacency is the number one hazard. Workers can get accustomed to performing a task incorrectly, meaning they are more prone to making a mistake that could lead to injury.
  • Unseen hazards, such as fatigue and personal stress come in a close second. It is not easy to recognize but can create a major risk.
  • The best practice to prevent injury in both of these cases is to remain aware and attentive to your surroundings and the actions of others.


It is necessary to be conscious of these factors in order to maintain a safe and secure work environment. Always be aware of the hazards in your environment, ensure your training is up to date and be knowledgeable of the changes happening on site that could affect not only your safety, but the safety of others as well.