Ensuring safety and health at work: a commitment to construction sites

Last April 28th was the World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers' Memorial Day. Jennifer Gon?alves Silva , our product manager for safety systems on scaffolding and job sites, is committed to promoting a culture of safety and well-being in the construction industry.

At Catari, safety isn't just a priority; it's a fundamental value embedded in every aspect of our operations. As we mark Workers' Memorial Day, we reflect on the slogan Remember the dead – Fight for the living," renewing our dedication to safeguarding the lives of workers who build our world and civilians alike.

Ensuring safety is paramount in the dynamic and challenging environment of construction sites. According to recent statistics, only about 70% of construction companies ensure skilled safety personnel, with around 66% consistently checking for risks during the job. Concerning accidents at construction sites falls from height accounted for 51% of all construction fatalities in 2022/23, with the three most common causes of workplace fatalities being falls from height, being struck by a moving object and being struck by a moving vehicle. Work-related illnesses remain a concern, with musculoskeletal disorders (54%) and stress, depression, or anxiety (24%) being prevalent among these workers. Besides, the data indicates that 20% of workdays in construction are lost due to work-related accidents.

A robust safety culture within the organisations fosters collective responsibility for safety and strengthens the importance of adherence to protocols. By integrating the following strategies into everyday practices, construction sites can proactively mitigate risks and create safer working environments for all. Nevertheless, successful implementation of safety measures demands clear communication and commitment from all stakeholders.

• Promoting work procedures such as regular safety audits further bolster safety standards, providing opportunities to identify and rectify potential risks;
• Both routine inspection and maintenance ensure that equipment and structures remain in optimal condition, minimising the likelihood of accidents;
• It is of the utmost importance to refrain from using non-compliant systems or products, as they jeopardise the safety of everyone;
• Providing comprehensive training programmes and raising awareness among workers about safety protocols enhances operational readiness and risk mitigation.

Breaking old habits and stereotypes can indeed be challenging, but the shift toward embracing safety measures is crucial for the well-being of workers and the success of projects. It's fantastic to witness the positive changes in safety culture within the construction industry: the visible presence of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety harnesses and high-visibility vests on construction sites as well as the increasing application and development of safety systems is a positive sign of the industry's commitment to safety.

When workers proudly wear their safety gear, it not only indicates their awareness of the risks involved but also demonstrates a culture of responsibility and professionalism.

It's a visible reminder that safety is a priority for everyone involved, from management to frontline workers. This cultural shift toward embracing and valuing safety equipment is a significant step forward safer job sites.

In recognition of these risks, at Catari, we have embarked on a mission to enhance safety measures through thoughtful solutions. Over the past year, we have introduced two new safety systems: safety nets type V (EN 1263) and an edge protection system (EN 13374). These systems, developed in compliance with strict standards, provide robust protection against falls from height, significantly reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities on construction sites. And by taking advantage of the latest developments in safety engineering, we aim to set new benchmarks for this type of product, for its performance and reliability in the industry.

When it comes to scaffolding, the main causes of accidents are falling from height, manual handling, and slip and trip injuries. In response to these challenges, we have prioritised the development of modern solutions to mitigate risks and enhance worker safety.

Recognizing the benefits and importance of ergonomic and user-friendly products, we are committed to developing safe work tools and constantly revising our existing solutions with new technologies, materials, and greater efficiency.

In line with this commitment, all our scaffold systems, including frame and ringlock systems, are crafted to provide such features to reduce the strain on workers and minimize the risk of injuries. The advantages of our systems extend beyond regulatory compliance. Our focus is not only on meeting regulatory requirements but also on exceeding customer expectations and meeting the evolving needs of the industry. By investing in our products, customers gain peace of mind knowing that they are providing the highest level of protection for their workers because our systems not only mitigate risks but also enhance productivity by fostering a safer and more efficient working environment.

Let’s keep in mind, safety is not just a goal; it's a journey that requires continuous effort and unwavering commitment.

At Catari, we are proud to be at the forefront of this journey, bringing new solutions and setting new standards for safety excellence. Join us in our commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of workers all over the world. Together, we can build a safer and more sustainable future for the construction industry through collaboration and modernisation of the solutions.

Let us remember the past, honor the present, and strive for a safer tomorrow. By keeping this perspective, we can create a future where every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.

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