Safety Series: Listen For Danger
All construction sites are filled with various sounds and noises. Each sound we hear is the result of an action of a worker using a tool or a piece of equipment. Over time and with experience, we tend to get used to these sounds and ignore them. The problem is when there is a distressing sound or warning, we could dismiss it as normal operation of working equipment, people, etc. Your individual safety could easily be dependent on your ability to hear and recognize approaching danger, or warnings. Listen for danger!
Seven Things That Negatively Impact Listening
- Over concentration on work
- Lack of sleep
- Improper over eating habits
- Use of alcohol or drugs, this includes something as simple as cough syrup
- Poor work place ventilation
- Loud radios or an individual radio with ear plugs
- Complacency
Five Things That Positively Impact Listening
- Become acquainted with the proper operational sounds of equipment and tools
- Listen closely to instructions
- Ask questions if instructions are unclear or confusing
- Stay alert
- When you hear an unusual sound or voice stop and investigate
Although it may be easier to see danger than it is to hear it, your ears are able to perceive warning signals from all around you. Your eyes only see what is in your frame of vision. Fine-tune your ears and you can fine-tune your exposure to danger and injury.