It may be the middle of winter, but there are still plenty of construction projects going on in many parts of the country. From road work that continues throughout the season when wind and rain can be a problem to building construction that is preparing to be completed in the spring, you only need to take a drive around town to know that the construction season never really stops. And while there are some kinds of projects that cannot happen during the coldest days of the year, it is important to know that we all depend on the work that needs to be completed by construction projects.
In turn, construction workers rely on wide ranging types of safety barriers to make sure that they are protected while they are completing these tasks. From traffic cones to propane tank protection, in fact, there is an entire industry that serves he purpose of leasing and renting out various types of safety barriers.
The Worker Safety Industry Plays a Significant Role in the Construction Industry in America
With a market share of nearly 10%, the U.S. is the second largest construction market worldwide and continues to grow as the nation expands the number of buildings while at the same time works to repair and upgrade an aging infrastructure. Safety barrier solutions can vary from one job site to another, but it is important to note that before any construction project can begin, the providing company has to make sure the they have all of the required types of safety barriers.
unfortunately, in the year 2017 alone, approximately 8.4 million people were employed within the construction industry in the U.S. Every one of these accidents needs to be documented and, in many case, researched. Finding out if what caused the accident was preventable is key to the future safety of other workers. Knowing, for instance, that perimeter protection barriers are in place means that a construction company can prevent accidents to both workers and the general public. When studies and reports reveal that perimeter protection barriers were in place, it may be determined that an accident was just that. In some cases, however, the need for more safety measures is important if a company wants to protect its three major assets: workers, the general public, and the property.
Worker Safety Is Key to the Majority of Construction Safety Requirements
Key to any project is the safety of its workers. With the proper and required implantation to safety barriers, workers can do their jobs while still being alerted to the inherent dangers around them. From the right kind of fencing around an open dig site to the need for safety cones and other warning devices on roadway projects, companies are required by law to have many safety measures in place to protect its workers.
The task and implementation of safety codes is so important that most companies have safety regulators who regularly check a site to make certain that all of the necessary types of safety barriers are in place. No company can afford to skimp on safety when it comes to the importance of protecting a company’s most valuable resources: its workers.
Keeping the General Public Safe Is Another Important Role in the Use of Safety Barriers
Construction sites are tempting and pique the curiosity of many people, so it is important to have sufficient protection around any construction site to make sure that the general public is not in danger. With large perimeters that often encompass entire blocks, it is not unusual for some construction companies to have security guards on duty around the clock to make sure that sites remain safe over night and on the weekends.
Interestingly enough, there are also a number of times when safety barriers are also installed at the completion of a project. Often disguised by a trademark color or in an interesting shape, concrete block barriers are now found in front of many retail locations to make sure that accidental or intentional intruders cannot drive into a store.
The U.S. spent $1.3 trillion in construction in the year 2018, and it is important to note that a significant amount of this spending was on sandbag barriers, safety barrier solutions, and other types of protection.