The construction industry is currently among the top earners for governments worldwide. Even with the lucrative numbers that this industry projects, there is another set of statistics that paints a grim picture of the industry. These are the statistics of fatalities reported annually. On average, about 40 people die monthly from construction-related injuries. The number of compensation claims for construction site injuries currently stands at about 50,000 each month worldwide.
With the solutions available for construction sites along roads from a road safety company, your firm should not be one of the contributors to these grim statistics on construction sites. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for all your workers, and you should invest in training for them to understand its essence and how to use it. Other than PPE, you need barriers around your construction site to protect passers-by from falling objects and your workers from oncoming traffic. The following are the barriers you can use for your construction site’s safety:
Jersey Barriers
These are at times called jersey walls. They are made of concrete or plastic and separate the traffic lanes on roads. This way, they minimize the vehicle damage that might occur when cars crash into construction barriers while also serving as indicators for road users that they are in a construction zone. Generally, jersey barriers will be weighed down using sand or water once placed in an ideal location, which increases their deflection of vehicles.
Drum Barrels
These are also called channelizers or traffic barrels. They are large barrels that resemble oversize traffic cones but are larger and heavier than the latter. As such, they are generally used for construction sites along busy highways. Drum barrels come with a rubber base to enable them to stay upright even in rough weather conditions or when nicked by vehicles. Others have reflective lights that boost their nighttime visibility to drivers.
Traffic Cones
These are used for construction sites that take minimal time such as repair of potholes. Traffic cones are lightweight, stackable, and portable, and they take minimal space on your site and in storage. Their primary downside is their susceptibility to bad weather. A strong gust of wind will blow them away. This minimizes their efficacy for your site’s safety and places road users and construction workers at risk of injuries from the cones.
A-frame Barricades
These are shaped like an architect’s workbench. They comprise two triangular framed joists that are held up by a plank of wood between them. A-frame barricades are generally orange or red with white stripes. The white lines are reflective, which enhances their visibility in dark weather and at night. These barricades work well for uneven ground where other barriers cannot stand up straight.
There is considerable pressure to deliver within the shortest possible time and minimize your expenses in the construction sector. However, íf you do not focus on the types of construction barriers mentioned above, you run the risk of downtime owing to constant injuries of your workers and hefty fines and compensation payouts. Therefore, they are one of the crucial elements for all construction companies looking for profits and those who want to prevent any downtime.