Working in construction comes with a number of risks. From mechanical failure to misuse of tools, the risk of injury is always one mistake away. While the Health and Safety at Work Act has placed greater emphasis on health and safety responsibilities, there are still many actions, behaviours and perspectives that need to be cleared up.
How can safety software help your company with safety nets?
One of the most important is the use of safety nets during projects that involve working from heights.
Heights still the biggest risk
Nearly everyone in New Zealand's construction industry are aware that working from heights carries with it a number of risks.
According to the New Zealand government, close to a third of all serious harm incidents in the construction industry occur as a result of trips, slips or falls. Between 2007 and 2009, there were 340 reported accidents involving falling, with nine of them being fatal.
Around half of all falls come from temporary structures, as it made up the largest group of all incidents. Temporary structures include ladders, trestles and scaffolding and with 70 per cent of all falls coming from temporary structures less than 3 metres, there are plenty of precautions companies can take.
Using nets to save lives
One of the ways the country is looking to decrease the rate at which people are hurt and killed while working from heights is through the use of safety nets. Whether it's a quick job on a roof or a longer project involving scaffolding, safety nets can be a life-saving installation.
However, according to WorkSafe New Zealand, many nets are being used to catch timber, rather than people. Inspectors have found that nets are filled with fallen timber and are not cleared quickly, making them a hazard in the event of a fall.
Specifically, WorkSafe found that loading a net up with timber, other building materials or tools can impact the tension of the net and significantly affect its effectiveness. In response, workers should clear nets of any fallen off-cuts as quickly as possible to ensure that the nets can do what they were intended to do.
Nets making a difference
One of the major developments over the last few years has been the creation of the Fall Arrest Safety Net Association (FASNA). Not only is it indicative of the emphasis the industry places on the value of safety nets, it is also a platform for stakeholders to work together.
When industry bodies come together to work on a safety concern, it can lead to higher standards, better information and a general professionalism. With more and more industry led associations popping up in the construction industry, there has been a real and measured impact.
WorkSafe reported that the industry has made significant strides in reducing the number of falls. For instance, serious harm incidents resulting from falls have decreased by almost 30 per cent between 2012 and 2014. With organisations like FASNA promoting safe net use and creating codes such as the Safe Use of Safety Nets Best Practice Guidelines, falls are forecast to drop again.
Safety documentation can be shared through SiteApp.
Using technology to manage nets
Health and safety systems are essential to ensure that nets are installed, maintained and used properly. As with all risk-management methods, the greater introduction of nets can lead to even more paperwork.
For construction companies that use effective and quality safety software, this is not a problem. Take SiteApp for instance, a construction company can load up a new document, form or application and not have to worry about it being lost or damaged. Even better, it can be shared with all those on site for maximum effectiveness.
If you would like to know more about safety apps, talk to the experts at SiteApp today.
