In many instances, accidents in extreme work zones are preventable. Unfortunately, a lack of preparation by staff can result in serious accidents and devastating consequences. While not every environment calls for accident prevention measures, specific settings absolutely do.
Within space entrants, the need for accident prevention is critical. OSHA has already established strict guidelines to protect entrants from numerous hazards. With these measures, the accidents that result in yearly deaths have dropped significantly since 1991. The previous 174 fatalities each year is now 92, proving that accident prevention measures are integral to safety and policy within high-risk environments.
While the numbers have improved over time, there is still a clear, dire need for further safety protocols to prevent accidents and their consequences. Understanding that safety can be maintained with the right interventions, the need for assistance is imperative. With someone always looking out, hazards can be avoided, and accident-related injuries and deaths can be prevented. Read on to learn more about the Confined Space Attendant role within high-hazard environments like construction sites.
Why A Confined Space Attendant Is Necessary For Construction Sites
The immediate responsibility of the Confined Space Attendant is to ensure the safety of all team members near and inside the confined space. The duty of a Confined Space Attendant is to be stationed outside the area to monitor, caution, and inform of hazards and related safety concerns as needed. Attendants must also be familiar with the types of threats known in the construction site environment, including the risks that influence adverse outcomes should the individual(s) move beyond the space.
The Confined Space Attendant must have more than knowledge of safety hazards, risk factors, and the repercussions of these risks. They must also know how to respond quickly in an emergency. All construction safety attendants must remain at the post for the work period. If this responsibility is neglected, devastating outcomes can occur. Clearly, having a construction site space attendant is critical to the safety and accident prevention of high-risk construction worksites.
Lack Of Attendants Increases Risk, Injury, And Fatal Outcomes
An additional reason to have attendants at construction sites is because of the consequences of untrained workers taking their place. In many instances, a member may ask someone on their worksite who is not an attendant to watch their space. Without understanding how to adequately monitor and protect, these untrained individuals cannot spot and respond to emergencies as they occur.
Lack of training only increases the risk and potentiality of fatal consequences for those on the site. With someone trained, these accidents can be prevented efficiently, such as by calling for a confined space rescue at the first sign of a hazard.
Timing Is Everything When It Comes To Accident Prevention
A Confined Space Attendant knows that timing is everything. Responding immediately to an emergency can save a life. For the safety of your team and all those affected, ensure that you have a safety attendant trained and stationed at your site’s confined space at all times.
