Construction sites require a rigorous amount of care and vigilance from workers in terms of health and safety. Many accidents and even some fatalities happen to workers each year which could have been avoided through proper application and awareness of on-site safety procedures.

Pedestrian and public safety is just as vital. Many construction sites are within close proximity to areas where the public operate, requiring rules and safety procedures which are equally as vital as for the construction workers on site.

Some of the hazardous elements for pedestrians on construction sites are construction cranes carrying heavy loads, uneven surfaces, falling objects, collapses, heavy machinery and hazardous substances. Every piece of machinery and equipment used on a construction site has specific instructions regarding set up and maintenance, not only for the safety of the people working on the construction site but also the public. When equipment is used and maintained properly, workers and the public will benefit from greater safety.

Public awareness

Pedestrians should always exercise caution when in the vicinity of construction sites; however the first step towards construction safety of pedestrians should be making the public aware of danger.

All sites should display clear signs which are visible to pedestrians, indicating that construction is in progress along the perimeter of the site and at any entrance to the site. At entrances to sites, a sign should also be displayed indicating that the area after the entrance is a hard hat area, requiring the use of a safety construction hat at all times.

Common sense can save lives and if pedestrians are aware of danger, common sense will generally keep most of the public out of harms way.

Fencing off the perimeter

Fencing off a construction site is vital to public safety, and keeping all work inside the perimeter is equally as important.

If hazards are kept inside a fenced location, pedestrians should remain safe. When cranes are lifting heavy materials to deposit on the site, the cranes should not move the material over any space that is not cordoned off. If a crane needs to move a load out of the site regularly, the areas directly below where the crane will be moving its load should be blocked to the public in case anything falls from the crane.

Falling Objects

An object as small as a billiard ball can kill a person instantly when dropped from the immense height of a crane. The same applies for objects falling from the sides of buildings or any type of scaffolding. Whilst the public should be reasonably far from any high scaffolding and danger areas due to those areas being blocked off, construction workers are still required to keep tools on their belts and refrain from leaving any objects close to the edges of buildings or lying on scaffolding walkways.

Public convenience and safety

There are instances when carrying out construction work in very public areas cannot be avoided. Some areas cannot be cordoned off, such as freeways.

In such instances, it is usual practice for the construction company working on the site in question to contact the local council to organise a closure of the busy area at a time when the number of pedestrians and members of the public is less. For example, work carried out on closed train tracks and freeways during the night allows for heavy duty construction to take place without worry of hazard to the public and will not cause problems with traffic congestion and train schedules.

Uneven surfaces

Another element hazardous to members of the public from construction work is uneven and dangerous surfaces and terrain. When work is carried out on the ground, the safety of the public is threatened by the uneven and collapsible terrain. To avoid pedestrians being unable to access the areas needed and causing inconvenience, and to provide safe passage through the dangerous situations on the ground, scaffolding should be erected over the ground for the public to walk on.

Access scaffolding will allow the public to walk across areas which have very uneven surfaces and holes without the risk of injury or death through falling.

Construction safety is crucial in completing a successful project and should always take the safety of the public into account as much as the safety of construction workers by using strict rules and enforcing compliance from construction workers and the public, injuries and fatalities can be avoided to a great extent. Construction work is an incredibly important part of the evolution of the world and its infrastructure, yet is a very dangerous enterprise, making public and pedestrian safety in and around construction sites extremely important at all times. For more articles like this bookmark http://pedestrianaccidentattorney.net

Author: Rosemary Grace Brooks

The first thing that we think of when we hear the word car accident is a collision with two or more vehicles. In driving schools, more emphasis is given on how to avoid accidents that involves cars and trucks. However, pedestrian injuries and accidents are given minimal attention and only a few are aware of how to avoid them. The result is an alarming rate of pedestrian accidents. In the US alone, as many as 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year because of road accidents.

The human body only has little protection when it is hit by a larger motorized vehicle. As such, all drivers should be cautious and aware of their surroundings so that no accidents would happen. But you must not just rely on the good driving of motorists. As a pedestrian, you must still do something to prevent yourself from getting into an accident.

The most common mistakes of pedestrians that contribute to road accidents include jaywalking, walking on the road itself and not on sidewalks, and walking in the same direction as that of moving vehicles. In order to avoid these mistakes that may lead to injury or even to death, keep in mind these tips while traveling on foot:

1. Avoid jaywalking. Always use the designated pedestrian lane when you cross the road. If the red signal light is on, do not assume that all vehicles will immediately stop. Make it a habit to look both directions before crossing the street. Remain attentive at all times and be aware of the street signs. Always abide by the rules.

2. Do not walk on the road itself; use the sidewalk. If you spend less time on the road where vehicles pass, you will lessen the chances of getting hit. But if there is no sidewalk, just walk on grass if you can do this without invading or damaging property. This is safer than walking on the streets.

3. Walk in the direction that is opposite the flow of traffic. Doing so will help you see incoming vehicles easier and thus will give you more time to avoid them.

4. Stay visible. Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing at night and when the weather conditions are unfavorable. Wear bright-colored or reflective clothes. You may also carry a flashlight. Doing so will make it easier for drivers to notice you. Make it a point not to suddenly step out from an object that blocks you from the view of the drivers, such as a parked car.

For motorists, here are some driving tips:

1. Safe driving begins as soon as you turn the car key.

2. Slow down when you’re in highly populated places like markets, school zones, and malls. Also be wary when you’re public parking areas and driveways. Before pulling out, make sure there are no people blocking your way.

3. Follow all traffic rules and regulations. Be as considerate as you can when you’re driving. Keep in mind that pedestrians waiting the cross always have the right of way.

Author: Benedict Hunter

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benedict_Hunter