Safety Steward

Role & responsibilities

1. Monitoring and Enforcing Safety Standards

• Enforce Safety Regulations: Ensure workers on-site follow safety regulations and standards, such as wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), adhering to safe work practices, and following safe operating procedures.
• Monitor Work Areas: Continuously monitor the work site for potential safety hazards, including slip and fall risks, unsafe equipment usage, and improper handling of materials.
• Identify Safety Violations: Quickly identify and report any safety violations or unsafe practices to supervisors and take necessary actions to correct them, ensuring the work environment remains safe.

2. Safety Awareness and Training

• Conduct Safety Briefings: Participate in or lead daily safety briefings or toolbox talks to remind workers of potential hazards and safety requirements for specific tasks.
• Promote Safety Culture: Actively encourage workers to follow safety procedures and ensure that safety awareness is maintained across all levels of the workforce.
• Assist in Safety Inductions: Help in the induction of new workers or subcontractors, ensuring they are informed of site-specific safety practices and potential hazards before beginning work.

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

• Identify Site Hazards: Regularly inspect the construction site to identify potential hazards such as exposed electrical wires, unguarded machinery, hazardous materials, and fall risks.
• Assist in Risk Assessments: Collaborate with safety officers or supervisors to assess risks on-site and ensure that proper preventive measures are taken, such as barricades, warning signs, or PPE.
• Report Hazards: Report any unsafe conditions or behaviors immediately to the site supervisor or safety officer, ensuring timely corrective actions are implemented.

4. Site Inspections and Safety Audits

• Conduct Routine Inspections: Perform routine walkthroughs to inspect safety equipment, such as scaffolding, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits, ensuring they are in good working condition.
• Assist in Safety Audits: Support the safety officer in conducting formal safety audits and inspections, checking for compliance with safety regulations and identifying any areas for improvement.

5. Emergency Response Support

• Assist in Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency, assist in the execution of emergency response plans, such as evacuations or providing first aid in case of injury.
• Maintain Emergency Equipment: Ensure that emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits, are accessible and in good condition.

6. Reporting and Documentation

• Incident Reporting: Record and report any incidents, accidents, or near misses that occur on-site. Ensure that all necessary documentation is completed according to company and regulatory guidelines.
• Safety Documentation: Assist in maintaining records related to safety audits, inspections, training sessions, and incident reports, ensuring they are up to date and accessible for review.

7. Communication and Coordination

• Liaise with Supervisors and Safety Officers: Regularly communicate with the construction site supervisors, safety officers, and management regarding site safety concerns and improvements.
• Encourage Worker Participation: Foster an open-door policy where workers can report safety concerns or suggestions for improving safety on-site.
• Work with Contractors: Ensure that contractors and subcontractors follow the same safety standards as the main workforce and coordinate with them to maintain safety.

8. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Management

• Ensure PPE Usage: Ensure all workers are wearing appropriate PPE (hard hats, safety boots, gloves, goggles, etc.) as per the tasks they are performing.
• Monitor PPE Compliance: Monitor the correct usage and condition of PPE on-site, ensuring that workers replace damaged or worn-out equipment.
• Distribute PPE: Assist in the distribution and management of PPE, ensuring that workers have the necessary equipment before starting tasks.

9. Maintaining Safety Equipment

• Inspect Safety Gear: Ensure that safety equipment (e.g., scaffolds, harnesses, fire extinguishers) is regularly inspected and properly maintained.
• Report Equipment Issues: If safety equipment is found to be defective or damaged, report the issue to the safety officer or supervisor for immediate attention and replacement.

10. Participating in Safety Programs and Initiatives

• Support Safety Programs: Participate in or help organize safety initiatives, such as safety campaigns, workshops, or wellness programs to promote overall worker health and safety.
• Assist in Safety Recognition: Help identify and recognize workers who consistently follow safety protocols or contribute to a positive safety culture.