The construction sector is the one that reports the highest rates of accidents in the country. According to studies carried out by the IMSS, in Mexico, there are more than 37,000 accidents and 220 deaths annually in the construction sector.
Construction accidents have serious, and even fatal, consequences for construction personnel. This, in turn, affects the productivity of the sector: according to data from the International Labor Organization, the cost caused by occupational accidents represents 4% of world GDP.
Construction accidents can be prevented if, during strategic planning, a safety system is implemented on construction sites. This, in addition, can bring economic benefits. According to a study by the University of New Wales in Australia, investment in security can generate a return of between 30% and 36%.
Construction safety regulations
In Mexico, the regulation that regulates safety in construction is NOM-031-STPS-2011, Construction-safety, and health conditions at work. Its objective is to establish the safety and health conditions at work in construction works, in order to prevent the occupational risks to which the workers who work in them are exposed.
To adhere to this standard, it is important to determine the classification of the work according to its size:
* Small works: less than 350m2 of surface to be built or demolished, and less than 10.5 meters high
* Medium works: between 350 and 10,000 m2 of surface, and from 10.5 to 16.5 meters high
* Large: more than 10,000 m2 of surface and more than 16.5 meters high
According to this classification, the health and safety requirements for the work are determined. As it is a large project, it is important to include the following information in the file:
* Description of the work to be done.
* Description of temporary facilities.
* Work staff organization chart, and responsibilities of each one.
* Analysis of the potential risk of each activity.
Safety measures for high-rise construction
To improve safety in construction, it is necessary to know the characteristics of the work, identify possible problems and implement risk prevention measures. Likewise, it is essential to train personnel to deal with dangerous situations, and always promote a culture of prevention.
According to the ILO (International Labor Organization), 50% of deaths that occur on construction sites are the result of falls from high-rise buildings. As this is one of the greatest risks in construction, both NOM-031-STPS-2011 and the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry present the safety measures that must be implemented in any construction project:
Fall prevention systems
These are devices or systems that minimize the possibility of a fall. The most used systems are:
* Guardrails: They are considered the best option because they present a physical barrier between the worker and the edge of the construction.
* Positioning system: also known as a movement restraint system, it allows the worker to move around the level without reaching the edge. The most common positioning systems are harnesses and lifelines.
fall arrest systems
These systems do not arrest the fall, but provide vital protection to the worker. They should be considered together with the prevention systems or used only in case the previous ones cannot be installed in the work. The most common are:
* Safety nets
* Full body harness and lanyard
* Bosun's chair
* Swing
* Work positioning belt
It is evident that safety in construction projects is one of the most important issues to consider during the strategic planning and execution of the work. It is essential to take into account the construction work regulations that regulate this activity in our country and to implement all measures to prevent and arrest accidents in all projects, regardless of their size.