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Safety

The Importance of Safety: On & Off the Jobsite

Author-Mark-Shaferby Mark ShaferSep. 11, 2020

Potentially dangerous situations don't exist in isolation on construction sites and accidents can happen anywhere and anytime.

Historically, as one of the most dangerous industries, the construction industry has evolved from outdated practices that prioritized profit and has increasingly prioritized safety and workers on jobsites. Through safety procedures, training, PPE, dedicated departments and support, and prevention through design, workers are empowered and protected to safely perform their job.

But, does safety really end at the jobsite? Potentially dangerous situations don't exist in isolation on construction sites and accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. Even seasoned construction workers can face unsafe situations when they head home for the day.

With workers facing many different challenges on and off jobsites, it's important to remember that safety isn't something we should be complacent about no matter where we are.

I've worked in the construction field since I was 18 years old and have recently worked within the safety department. I didn't think I would ever get hurt — on the jobsite or at home. But, as I was in a hurry cutting my lawn, I reached down to raise the mower wheels and my fingers accidentally slipped underneath and got sliced by the mower. Although, the doctors were able to save my fingers, I left the hospital the next day with a new realization that safety doesn't end at the jobsite and that many house projects can injure you.

Accidents are preventable, and there isn't a job that is so important that we cannot take the time to do it safely — whether it's a house or construction project. But, accidents still happen every day. As the standards within construction have dramatically changed for the better over the years, it's important to take safety with us no matter where we are. With workers facing many different challenges on and off jobsites, it's important to remember that safety isn't something we should be complacent about no matter where we are.