The Necessity of an Ambulance on Construction Sites

One way to determine the efficiency of a workplace is by gauging the environment and how safe it is for the employees who work there. Construction sites, generally, are highly dangerous places to work. With massive safety manuals, quality and safety engineers, and other people specifically assigned to ensure the safety of the workers, one might think that construction sites have all things set in place and streamlined to ensure that people are safe from any kind of occupational hazards. But in reality, construction sites aren’t exposed to occupational hazards in India. 

From crane crashes to scaffolding collapses and major and minor injuries, the news is often flooded with reports of accidents that occur on construction sites. As a matter of fact, in India, construction sites are known to be the deadliest sector, with 38 fatalities occurring every single day! Therefore, it is necessary to have an ambulance on construction sites for quick medical help during emergencies, and in case of severe emergencies, also transport the injured or ill patient to the nearest medical facilities. This comprehensive blog will help you understand why it is important to have an ambulance on construction sites. 

What Are the Different Occupational Hazards on a Construction Site? 

Accidents and deaths are common on construction sites. The types of potential occupational hazards depend entirely on the construction work being done. Safety protocols are limited despite legal rules. Here are a few of the most common occupational hazards that occur on a construction site. 

• Construction sites that include building large skyscrapers have many workers and labourers who are hired to work in extremely dangerous environments. Many of these sites even lack basic safety equipment, and some labourers are hired illegally. Working at great heights without proper safety measures can put the workers at high risk. Edges of these buildings under construction are not safe, and ladders are not installed properly. This can cause accidents and major injuries like fractures, brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, etc. 
• There is also a high risk of objects falling from great heights and injuring the workers and labourers working on the ground level. Having an ambulance on a construction site can thus provide prompt medical attention and treatment in case of such emergencies.  
• Heavy machinery is common in industrial areas and construction sites. Cranes and excavators can cause injuries if safety measures are not properly followed. Crane collapse is a common occupational accident that is often reported. Cranes are weight-restricted equipment, which means that only a certain amount of weight can be put on them. If these cranes are not loaded properly or if they are overburdened, the heavy material weight can fall and injure the workers. Crane operators are sometimes inefficient, which can also cause problems. 
• Electrical hazards, in addition to heavy machinery, can affect workers and cause accidents. Exposed and uninsulated live wires can endanger the lives of people working at sites. Injury from exposed wires can cause burns and shocks, which can be minor or, in some cases, major, causing intense nerve damage and cardiac arrest. 
• Construction sites often require workers to perform repetitive tasks that involve manual lifting, bending, and twisting. Back, knee, and shoulder injuries are common occupational safety risks in construction sites. 
• Heat is increasing by the day, and this is a major factor that affects people working in the construction industry. Construction sites with hot climates and without sufficient hydration can exhaust the workers and even lead to conditions like heat stroke and dehydration. Other issues that could occur in construction sites include hearing loss, temporary or permanent, due to loud machinery. 

These are the most common occupational hazards that can affect the workers working on construction sites. 

The Role of an Ambulance on Construction Sites: 

• Having an ambulance on a construction site is a legal requirement. According to Section 227 of the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Central Rules, 1998 Act, every construction site is required to have an ambulance stationed on-site to provide immediate medical aid during emergencies. 
• An ambulance on a construction site staffs well-trained and equipped nurses and emergency technicians who can offer immediate assistance, life-saving care, and treatment in case of medical emergencies, whether major or minor. 
• Although it is a legal requirement, an ambulance on a construction site isn’t merely stationed for emergencies. Such strict regulations actually empower workers, as emergency medical service providers can provide training and educate the workers on safety measures that are to be followed on a construction site. Helmets, PPE kits, gloves, eye protection, safety harnesses, etc., are some important equipment that workers must wear while working at construction sites. 
• One of the greatest advantages of having an ambulance on a construction site is the availability of a quick transport facility in case of a medical emergency or an accident. Usually during an emergency, when an ambulance is called, it takes a long time to arrive at the emergency site. In this case, when responses are delayed, it could lead to the death of people or cause sustained life-long injuries and impairments. An ambulance on a construction site avoids the occurrences of such tragic events.  

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, having an ambulance on construction sites should not be just for the fulfilment of a legal purpose or a requirement. Safeguarding the lives of workers, especially in one of the most dangerous industries, should be the bare minimum that any employer can provide for their workers. Emergencies and accidents are inevitable, but they are also highly preventable. An ambulance on a construction site is necessary to provide immediate life-saving treatment with quick response times. Promoting safety in this way can also help the workers stay more informed and educated about their rights and the measures that they can take to avoid and prevent damage to themselves. Thus, an ambulance on a construction site is an investment and a proactive step that any employer should take to protect the lives of their workers and make the workplace safer.