Dealing With Construction Safety Management During Busy Season

As the busy season approaches, safety managers face the challenge of construction safety management while dealing with additional pressures, including:

• Seasonal workforce
• Increased workloads
• Higher risk factors

To meet these challenges, safety managers need to be proactive and prepare construction safety measures in advance.

Safety managers should take a comprehensive approach, combining updated safety protocols, effective training, clear communication and construction safety software, to ensure that safety standards are maintained, and employees are protected.

One of the most effective tools safety managers can leverage is a safety app, which offers features to:

• Streamline safety processes
• Provide real-time communication
• Track safety data
• Improve overall safety management

Here’s how safety managers can prepare for a busy season and how a safety app can make a significant difference in keeping construction workers safe.

Key Takeaways About Construction Safety Management

• During busy season, there are more chances for incidents because more employees are onsite for longer periods of time.
• Safety managers should review their safety practices and the strategies they implemented for last year’s busy season to make improvements.
• Construction safety software — like SafetyHQ — allows safety managers to track performance, create and distribute Toolbox Talks, and communicate with workers in real time.
• Safety managers can leverage construction safety apps to stay on top of training, certifications and incidents when faced with larger teams.
• Creating a strong safety culture incentivizes workers to take responsibility for the well-being of themselves and others.

1. Review and Update Safety Protocols

The first step in preparing for the busy season is to review and update the safety program. Safety managers should examine what worked well last busy season, areas of improvement and check for new safety regulations from OSHA.

Safety managers should carefully evaluate the potential hazards that could arise with:

• Increased workloads
• Longer hours
• More employees on-site
• Warmer temperatures

These changes may introduce new risks that need to be addressed.

For example, warmer temperatures introduce the possibility of heat-related illnesses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there have been 436 work-related deaths in the construction industry caused by environmental heat exposure from 2011-2021.

Safety managers should provide workers with water, shade and rest. New or seasonal workers should be given more frequent breaks to acclimate to the heat while slowly increasing their workload.

By identifying high-risk areas and refining safety procedures, safety managers can create a comprehensive safety plan that addresses risks and hazards.

If they invest in construction safety software, safety managers can build, send and track completion of key safety items before workers enter a jobsite.

2. Train Construction Crews on Safety Protocols and Procedures

Employee training is essential to prevent accidents and injuries, especially as new hires or seasonal workers are brought on board during the busy season. Proper training ensures that everyone on the job understands:

• Safety measures related to their job
• How to operate machinery correctly
• How to react in case of an emergency

However, training can often be time-consuming and difficult to manage, particularly with a large workforce or when teams are spread across different locations.

Safety apps can make training more efficient by providing mobile access to Toolbox Talks, jobsite hazard assessments (JHAs) and a safety datasheet library.

Safety managers can monitor training progress in real time, ensuring all employees are up to date on the required courses.

With safety apps, employees can easily access training materials from their mobile devices, helping to keep the workforce engaged and informed.

3. Enable Reporting and Implement Strong Communication

During busy seasons, employees may be moving between construction sites more frequently, which makes it important for safety managers to communicate about job-specific hazards and ensure workers are prepared.

An important feature of safety apps is the ability to report incidents, hazards or injuries in real time. This allows employees to immediately note any safety concerns, which are then sent directly to managers for prompt review and action.

This instant communication ensures that safety managers have the information they need to create a corrective action plan as soon as possible.

4. Build a Proactive Construction Safety Culture

Safety management is not just about procedures and tools — it’s also about creating a culture of safety in your construction company that encourages everyone to take responsibility for their well-being.

A strong safety culture ensures that employees understand the importance of safety and are motivated to act accordingly. Safety apps can help foster this culture by encouraging employees to report hazards, suggest improvements, and participate in safety challenges or initiatives.

By giving employees an active role in safety management, safety managers create an environment where everyone is invested in protecting one another.

Get Ready for Busy Season With SafetyHQ®

As the busy season approaches, safety managers need to be prepared to manage the increased demands and risks associated with a higher volume of work.

By updating safety protocols, training employees, and embracing safety apps — like SafetyHQ — safety managers can ensure they are well-equipped to keep their teams safe.

SafetyHQ provides:

• Streamlined reporting
• Improved communication
• The ability to track safety data
• Critical resources for emergency situations

They make safety management more efficient, effective, and accessible, ensuring a safer work environment, even during the busiest times.

With the right tools in place, safety managers can lead their teams confidently through the busy season, minimizing safety risks and fostering a safer, more productive work environment.

For more information about SafetyHQ, speak with an expert today.