Nearly every facet of a construction project can be improved with technology. One interesting use of technology is cameras for OSHA compliance or safety training on a job site.
While most construction site managers consider construction cameras to be beneficial for progress reports or job site security, expanding your use of your existing camera network to help improve workplace safety is a smart move.
Let’s take a quick look at the many ways video cameras can assist with the OSHA General Duty Clause which requires that employers keep their workplace free from hazards.
Compliance
Using your construction cameras, live feed or video recordings, are an easy way to make sure your employees are correctly following procedures and policies. By consistently monitoring your construction camera data, you can visualize how your employees interact with their environment while on the job site. It allows job site managers to better identify problem areas and problem employees in need of further site safety training. Ultimately, having video cameras helping guide policy, procedures, and training will greatly improve employee OSHA compliance.
Training
Robust safety training is one sure way to avoid most injuries and safety violations. When something does go wrong, an OSHA investigator will invariably ask about whether the injured employee was trained properly and according to OSHA safety requirements. When giving employees safety training, reading a report pales in comparison to recorded video showing what went wrong and how an accident could have been prevented. Reviewing recorded data from your construction site gives employees real world understanding of the importance of safety procedures and guidelines.
Support
Cameras can provide valuable material to show compliance and safety practices in action, especially if an accident does occur. Accident investigators with access to video recordings of the area where the incident took place can more quickly assess any hazards that may have contributed to the incident. These video recordings can also assist in identifying problem areas or malfunctioning or misused equipment. Keeping video surveillance from your job site cameras and periodically reviewing them is a great way to reduce the possibility of similar accidents from happening again.
A Few Words About Privacy
Employees have privacy rights and the use of video on site can sometimes be problematic depending on your state’s privacy laws. However, if you can demonstrate a clear need for recording in public spaces and employees are aware of the recording of video surveillance, you can expect to find support in the courts. Check local laws before deploying construction site cameras regardless of the main objective.
If you have questions about how construction cameras and other useful technology like SiteKick can create a safer work environment on your construction projects, contact us today!
