The construction industry can be physically and mentally demanding, with workers often required to work long hours in sometimes challenging conditions. While those who do the job are often passionate about seeing building projects come to life, that’s not to say they know how to care for themselves to ensure a long, happy, and healthy life in their careers. Fortunately, it’s entirely possible with behavior changes and a few innovative techniques. You might improve your chances of staying healthy and safe by taking these actions:
Work With Reputable Professionals
Company reputation counts for a great deal when you start your hunt for new construction jobs. The more highly regarded a company is, the higher your chances can often be of them taking good care of you.
Reputable companies generally offer generous compensation, follow employment laws, and have robust health and safety policies in place. These policies can mean that your health and well-being are prioritized at every work site.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As uncomfortable as personal protective equipment can be, it can be crucial for keeping yourself safe. Construction workers typically wear steel-capped boots, gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats, depending on their tasks. If they’re working at heights, they’re also wearing fall protection harnesses, climbing harnesses, and anchor systems while using access equipment like scaffolds and ladders.
When worn correctly, PPE can be an excellent way to keep yourself and others safe. Brush up on your usage requirements, and you might feel and be much safer on the average construction work site.
Use Appropriate Lifting Techniques
Construction workers do a lot of heavy lifting, be it tools, construction materials, or demolition waste. All that heavy lifting can take its toll on your body, especially if you aren’t practicing proper lifting techniques.
Understanding and practicing heavy lifting techniques may improve your chances of staying healthy and reducing injuries like back pain. These can include not twisting your body while carrying heavy objects, lifting with your legs and not your back, and keeping the materials or items close to your body when moving them. Lifting aids like forklifts, drywall lifters, and hoists can also be helpful for those particularly hefty materials.
Take Regular Breaks
Between the physical work and the outside elements, construction work can make you feel tired and worn out. When you’re not feeling 100%, you can be at risk of making dangerous and costly mistakes.
Do right by your body and take regular breaks. During these breaks, take the time to rest and stretch. If you’ve been performing repetitive tasks, alternate between other jobs to potentially reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Eat Well and Hydrate
You can exert a lot of energy in the construction industry. If you haven’t nourished your body and hydrated, you can be at risk of fatigue, reduced concentration, and dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and superfoods.
Staying healthy in the construction industry can seem challenging when you work such a labor-intensive job. However, these easy actions above might be all it takes to feel at your best and keep yourself safe.