Serious accidents and fatalities are generally rising in many small construction companies. A few factors can be pointed out to me. However, the biggest problem is that safety protocols are ignored because of haste or inadequate design.
Here are several safety tips to ensure your drywall company is not one of them.
Invest in the best personal protective equipment.
Personal protective equipment is an essential part of overall drywall safety. For example, wearing safety glasses and a mask will protect you from the dust raised while working on drywall. Footwear will protect you if a sheet or piece falls on your feet. Wearing gloves with PVC dots will help improve grip to minimize the chance of something falling. First aid equipment is something you should have nearby in the event of an emergency.
Practice lifting techniques
To prevent injury, a particular method should be used to hold drywall. A single sheet of drywall weighs between 55 and 120 pounds, and it’s difficult to determine its weight simply by looking at it. Protecting yourself by avoiding lifting objects while bending or twisting is essential.
Ideally, try to get sheets close to the work site to avoid the risk of injury. When moving carts on the job, use carts and dollies instead of pushing them by hand.
Use certain practices to minimize the risk of injury
Smaller risks, such as repeated motions like sanding, cutting, and taping, can cause many minor injuries to muscles and joints.
You can prevent these types of risks by rotating between jobs. Also, avoid reaching overhead while holding drywall or moving loads above waist height. This will prevent back or joint injuries.
Know the materials you’re working with
Knowing the potential risk of each material in your drywall job is essential. The easiest way is to create a material safety data sheet. This can inform people about the potential risk of exposure to a particular material and what equipment should be ready.
Watch your surroundings while working
It’s essential to be careful when working with drywall, especially in an already-built home. For example, if there are electrical wires nearby, the slightest contact could lead to a severe accident. Observe the work area before you start to be aware of any hazards. Additionally, be sure to make a formal record of this. This way, if someone enters the project later, they’ll also be aware of it.
Working in pairs
Working in pairs is essential for several reasons. Some drywall sheets will be too heavy for one person to handle, so it’s better to have extra help than try to do it on your own. Additionally, having a partner helps you be more accountable for everything else on the list. Having a person on hand means you’ll always have a reminder.
