Preventing Accidents on Construction Sites: A Guide to Construction Safety Management System

Importance of Safety in Construction

Safety is without a doubt crucial in the construction industry; in a workplace as inherently dangerous as a construction site, even the smallest of accidents can lead to serious injury or even death. The most common causes of accidents on construction sites include falls, electrocutions, struck-by injuries, and caught-in or between injuries, many of which are preventable with the right safety measures in place.

Building a safety-first culture is essential in ensuring that all workers on a site are able to work efficiently, productively and, most importantly, free from harm. This guide will explore how construction safety management systems can help prevent accidents on construction sites and enable a safer work environment for all.

How Technology Can Help Prevent Accidents on Construction Sites

The use of technology in construction can help with accident prevention on construction sites in a variety of ways. For instance, a construction safety management system can identify hazards at the workplace before they cause accidents and can provide workers with useful information in order to work safely. Other technologies such as wearable safety devices can alert workers to potential hazards and remind them to take life-saving safety precautions. Additionally, some construction companies use drones or other technologies to inspect and monitor construction sites, which can help identify and mitigate hazards before they cause accidents.

Construction Safety Management Systems: What They Are and How They Work

Construction safety management systems are software platforms that help to manage safety on construction sites, allowing the integration of digital tools to replace manual paper-based safety processes. It comes with features like digital safety checklists, incident reporting and training components, while allowing the tracking of safety examinations, recognising hazards, and upholding adherence to safety norms and check-ups. Through this, personnel are informed of the safety perils and have the know-how to prevent them.

Implementing Construction Safety Management System: Best Practices and Tips

Implementing a construction safety management system can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some key features to look out for:

User-friendly interface - ensure all employees are involved with the new system

Some employees might not be tech-savvy, thus it is recommended that the system is easy to use and navigate. This will ensure all employees on site can easily access and use the system to increase workplace productivity. Hubble will deploy its Safety Management System according to your company’s needs within 30 days and has a customer success team to assist and guide you through.

Customisation - start small with a few basic features

One basic feature is having the ability to customise the system to suit the needs of your projects, such as the ability to add your own safety protocols and procedures, customise workflows, notifications, and reporting. Hubble’s Dashboard Module allows you to customise your widgets, add a date picker and data source parameter settings for easier data-driven decisions. It also has a wide option of chart types from pie charts to bar charts, for you to choose the type that suits your data best. Additionally, the data is grouped, summarised and displayed according to your preferences, showing you relevant and insightful information for your business.

Image: Dashboard module of Hubble Safety Management System

Real-time monitoring - receive instant notifications

The safety management system should allow you to monitor safety in real-time, seeing what’s happening on site at any moment and get notifications when there are safety issues. Automated notifications can be a lifesaver in safety management. By sending alerts to relevant assignees and followers, Hubble Safety Management System can help prevent safety incidents before they occur and streamline safety processes.

Compliance - monitor the system, make changes when necessary

To avoid costly fines and penalties, it is essential that the safety management system has relevant safety regulations and standards. Hubble Safety Management System can assist in this by ensuring your company’s safety standards are up-to-date and can help you to achieve ISO 45001/OHSAS 18001.

Benefits of Investing in Construction Safety Management Systems for Construction Companies

Investing in construction safety management systems can provide construction companies with numerous benefits, including:

Improved safety

Construction safety management systems can help identify and mitigate hazards, which can lead to fewer accidents on construction sites.

Increased productivity

When workers feel better protected and equipped for safe work, they can work more efficiently and effectively.

Reduced costs

Accidents on construction sites can be costly, both in terms of the immediate costs of injuries and the long-term costs of lost productivity and workers’ compensation claims. Construction safety management systems can help reduce workplace injury compensation claims.

Better compliance

Construction safety management systems can help construction companies keep abreast with safety regulations, avoiding costly fines and raising construction safety standards on site.

Case Studies: Real-world Examples of Digital Safety Management Systems in Action

Here are some companies that has the Hubble Safety Management System implemented and seen positive results: 

• Koh Brothers Building & Civil Engineering Contractor's Circle Line 6 Extension Project
• Exyte Singapore's GlobalFoundries Singapore Expansion Facility Project
• Redevelopment of Singapore’s Shaw Tower with Digital Solutions
• Jacobs Engineering’s Tuas Water Reclamation Plant Project
• Kajima Corporation’s Global Hub Project

The Future of Safety in Construction

Safety is of paramount importance in the construction industry, and construction safety management systems have the potential to revolutionise the way companies approach construction site safety. With the right workplace safety management system, companies can create a safer work environment, reduce the risk of accidents, and increase productivity.

As technology continues to evolve, it is important for companies to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry in order to ensure the safety of their employees and prevent fatal accidents in the workplace. Find out how Hubble can help you stay in control of your safety management.