Workplace hazards and incidents range from traumatic encounters with heavy machines to carpal tunnel from excessive typing. Across industries, “slips, trips, and falls” and “overexertion” are the most common workplace injuries. Workplace safety has improved drastically over the last hundred years, with laws and regulations implemented to protect employees and provide safer working environments. New tools and technologies, such as noise control systems and barrier protection, are used to create safer workspaces. Singer Safety Company can’t prevent every workplace accident, but our industrial barrier protection systems are used to limit the risk of workplace incidents across a variety of industries. Our focus is on industrial barrier protection, and our products work to reduce noise exposure, improve fire safety, increase air quality, and comply with regulations. From food service to agriculture to construction, barrier protection has a purpose.
Construction Site Safety
Construction and building sites have a high potential for workplace accidents and safety concerns. The power tools, heavy equipment, building materials, scaffolding, and exposed electricity can add to injury and accidents. Some building site safety methods are obvious: hard hat zones, necessary eye protection, and harnesses when climbing up on beams and scaffolding. However, other building site safety concerns are less apparent.
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries when it comes to on-the-job injuries and accidents. Construction, transportation, and agriculture industries constantly have the most fatalities among industry sectors. In construction, fatalities and non-fatal injuries are frequently caused by falls, transportation incidents, exposure to harmful substances, and contact with objects or equipment (like being struck or caught by something). Other causes of incidents are electrocution or electrical exposure and overexertion. Noise can be an overlooked safety concern in many industries, especially in construction.
Safety precautions are essential to any building site. Risk assessments and education can help prevent many injuries. Personal protective equipment and professional site safety equipment, such as industrial barriers and industrial safety curtains, work to maintain a safe job site and limit the number of accidents. Construction site industrial barrier safety and noise control systems are designed to protect employees and to protect the general public.
Barrier Protection in Construction
Construction barrier protection is essential for creating a safe and controlled work environment. Industrial safety barriers serve various purposes, including preventing unauthorized access, delineating work zones, and enhancing overall safety.
Types of Industrial Barriers
Industrial barriers such as fencing, tapes, and concrete barriers work to block off an active job site from unauthorized access and improve visibility. Tapes and fencing can also indicate different zones within a job site where different safety methods and equipment are required. Nets and guardrails are installed to prevent falling debris from causing injury and prevent workers from falling.
Industrial Curtain Barriers
Regarding dust, debris, and other potential hazards, industrial curtain safety acts as barrier protection for construction crews and the general public. These curtain barriers can be significant if the building site is adjacent to any actively used environment. If the office space next door is undergoing a remodel, industrial curtains can work to prevent dust, debris, and even the odor of paint and material from disrupting other areas.
Industrial curtain walls can protect from dust, fumes, and debris. Outdoor industrial curtains are an option to protect employees and equipment from the elements. Exterior curtain walls can block out rain, extreme temperatures, moisture, and wind. Using industrial curtains as barrier protection improves workplace safety for employees, materials, and the general public.
Any barrier protection on a construction site should be designed and installed with safety in mind and following local or federal regulations.
Noise Safety on the Building Site
Excessive noise and hearing safety is essential in any industry. However, construction sites are known to be loud. Standard construction tools and equipment, from cranes to jackhammers, operate above the safe noise level of 85 decibels. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires any employer to implement hearing conservation programs if sound exposure exceeds 85 decibels over eight working hours. Requiring the use of personal hearing protection, such as earplugs, is one way to combat noise concerns on a job site. Installing noise control systems is another way to improve building site safety and comply with OSHA regulations.
Noise Safety Methods
Sound safety methods include acoustic screens, foam, and fiberglass panels. When used together, these methods create an improved sound reduction system. However, industrial curtains with sound-absorbing technology are the most versatile option for sound protection on a building site.
Industrial Curtains for Sound Reduction
These industrial curtains can act as a barrier between different areas, containing noise, dust, and fumes. Strategically placing curtains around a construction site can reduce noise levels and disruption to nearby businesses and passersby. Construction site managers can also install industrial curtains or other soundproofing methods, such as acoustic foam, to create a quiet space for workers to seek respite from the excessive noise of a busy job site.
Noise safety may not be the first thought when it comes to construction industry job safety, but strategic noise reduction improves the overall work environment. Reduced exposure to excessive noise limits the risk of permanent hearing loss, improves worker health, well-being, and employee morale, and reduces fatigue. Plus, in an environment where there’s shouting over loud equipment, the improved ability for clear communication increases safety.
Improved acoustics lead to enhanced employee concentration, better communication, and reduced stress levels, contributing to a more sustainable and harmonious working environment.
Singer Safety Company and Construction
Singer Safety Company is committed to providing customers with outstanding barrier protection products designed to create a safe and productive work environment. We understand that job sites and workplaces can be dangerous, especially construction sites. Singer has been manufacturing industrial barrier protection equipment since 1950. Our products are strategically installed to protect employees, customers, and clients from common workplace hazards of dust, debris, fumes, heat, and noise. Contact our expert team to determine the best barrier protection methods for your construction or building site.