"Safety first" doesn't just mean that safety is important. "Safety first" is actually a suggestion for the order in which things should be done. Before anything else, you should think about safety.
In other words, before you've even hired anyone onto a job site, you should have an answer for the following questions:
Do we have first responders on-site?
Small construction crews typically won't have on-site paramedics, but this becomes necessary with larger projects. An on-site first responder can mean the difference between a worker taking a couple weeks off to heal and a worker needing to collect months of workers' compensation.
Where's the nearest hospital?
Make a note of nearby emergency rooms and other medical facilities. It may prove quicker to drive an injured worker directly to the emergency room rather than wait for an ambulance.
Do you have a first-aid kit?
If there's no first-aid kit on site, there shouldn't be any workers on site, either. Kits are inexpensive compared with the cost of a preventable injury and are well worth the investment. For related insurance information, see Machinery Construction Site-Specific Pollution Insurance.
Do you know how to USE a first-aid kit?
Do you know how to apply a tourniquet, and more importantly, do you know why you usually shouldn't apply a tourniquet? You don't need a medical degree to use a first-aid kit, but you should familiarize yourself with basic treatments such as how to apply pressure to a wound. You can also consult public emergency-preparedness resources for basic guidance on supplies and procedures.
Have your people been trained?
Before anyone so much as picks up a hammer, make sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency: where to drive, who to call, where the first-aid kit is, and so on. Make sure everybody you work with knows the answers to the questions listed above.
You should also make a note of emergency contact numbers and fire exits and familiarize your staff with these points.
Safety isn't something you do in response to an emergency; safety is the foundation of the workplace, something you think about before you think about anything else. You'll save life and limb by putting safety first, you'll help meet deadlines more easily, and you'll reduce the likelihood of insurance claims. You can also review related coverage options like Industrial Aid Aircraft Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should every construction site have a first-aid kit?
Yes. Every active site should have a stocked first-aid kit and a designated person who knows where it is and how to use it.
When should I call an ambulance instead of driving to the ER?
Call an ambulance for life-threatening injuries, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or suspected spinal injuries; for less severe injuries, driving to the ER may be faster.
Do workers need formal medical training to use a first-aid kit?
No. Basic first-aid training is sufficient for common injuries, but having trained first responders or personnel with advanced training improves outcomes.
How often should emergency plans and training be reviewed?
Review plans and training whenever the site conditions change and conduct regular refreshers so everyone remembers procedures and contact information.