When the masonry contractor throws his mud pan off a scaffolding without looking, or an electrician is standing in a puddle, it’s time to clear the area.
But less dramatic concerns include spreading bad habits, distractions, and job shut downs.
Somehow bad habits spread quicker than good ones. If the crew next to you operates outside your comfort zone, speak directly to the on-site supervisor and request corrective actions. Be sure your crew sees this interaction. If this confrontation does not result in safer conditions, move your crew to an alternate work area if at all possible. Demonstrate safety as the number one priority.
Suppose the other crew is not wearing protective eyewear. Maybe your crew is unlikely to get injured as a result, but how about your liability exposure? Your shard lands in their eye, and you’re paying regardless of their lack of diligence. Get the general contractor involved if necessary.
Your well-trained crew may be distracted by another group acting unsafely. Distractions create potential injury scenarios. The site moves ahead more productively when people work without a sideshow.
Severe infractions that can bring OSHA regulators or local officials in to close a site. Without being in the wrong, site closure costs you money. Report poor work conditions to the site supervisor immediately. Of course, document reasons and requests whenever you demand safer operations.
Remember: you are responsible for the safety of your employees and the profit of your company. Unchallenged unsafe conditions leading to site closure does not protect either employees or profit.
Take in the big picture when assessing your own site safety. Your crew works within a system. If one part of that system is unsafe, the site is unsafe. Do what you can to fix those situations.
