• It is important to follow safety procedures when working in construction.construction image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
  
  Thousands of accidents occur in workplaces annually, and many of them can be avoided if safety rules are implemented and followed. There are seven rules for safety that any business can establish to help keep its safety practices up to date. Every level of worker in the company should train to stay current and follow the seven safety rules.
  
  

Understand Hazards

• It does not matter what type of business or where the workplace is, there are always workplace hazards. Some are as small as lifting and awkward movements, while others, such as toxic chemicals, pose more serious safety threats.
  
  Knowing the work hazards tends to make employees work in a more careful manner. Understanding the different types of hazards also helps when training employees about safety in a particular work area.
  
  

Make Improvements

• New safety issues present themselves frequently in the workplace, and these often require policy changes. Changes can include implementing new safety protocols, purchasing and using updated equipment, and revising safety training procedures.
  
  

Audit Regularly

• Audit all safety materials and protocols on a quarterly basis, and list any areas where improvements can be made. Prioritize the work according to order of importance in addressing hazards.
  
  

Hire the Safety-Minded

• Ask prospective employees about their knowledge of safety and their personal safety practices. If you hire people who are already safety-minded, training them in workplace safety rules is easier. Also, those who already make a habit of keeping safety in mind are less likely to cause or be involved in a workplace accident.
  
  

Train and Train Again

• Keep a regular schedule of training for employees about safety in their current work locations. Conduct safety classes when employees are hired or transferred to a new location or job. Conduct safety skills assessments annually.
  
  Additional training may be necessary for any new equipment, chemicals or procedures, and can be conducted in a formal classroom setting or one-on-one with a supervisor or trainer.
  
  

Learn from Mistakes

• Do not be afraid to admit mistakes regarding safety. One of the few ways to know there is something wrong with safety procedures is when something goes wrong. Do everything possible to minimize workplace accidents, but should an accident happen, learn from it and make the necessary safety corrections.
  
  You can also learn from the mistakes others make, simply by listening to what went wrong and how they corrected it. Always listen and learn when it comes to safety.
  
  

Enforce the Rules

• The best way to prevent workplace accidents is to enforce all workplace safety rules and protocols. For example, if employees working with certain chemicals are required to wear goggles, managers must insist that they do so. Management also should penalize employees who ignore safety rules.