Health & Safety should be the main priority for anybody working in the construction industry - considering most workplace deaths are in the construction industry.

Construction sites are a dangerous place to be for plasterers and it is something that should not be taken lightly. Taking your time and making sure you do your job in the safest way possible is of the highest importance, and with our top tips for plasterers, you can stay as safe as possible whilst maintaining a high performance in your craft.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

All plasterers are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when carrying out any job - big or small. This usually includes an odour mask, shoes that are suitable for use on ladders and protective eye wear that are designed to protect your eyes from airborne debris and particles.

Without this equipment you put yourself in a position to be injured, or possibly worse. The outcome of not wearing the correct PPE can be worse than you may have first thought and can also cause life long injury effecting your ability to do your job in future.

Luckily Drywall Tools Direct have a fantastic range of PPE and work wear, that includes everything a plasterer would ever need to protect themselves from danger in the work place.

WORKING AT A HEIGHT

It is not uncommon and often, plasterers will work at a height, which ultimately puts you at risk of danger and of injury. Whenever you work at a height on a ladder or frame, stability is everything, and will ensure that you are safe at all times whilst working elevated. There are a few ways you can prioritise your safety whilst working at a height.

First of all, using a ladder that is in good condition is a must, and poor quality ladders are a frequent complaint made for falling or injuring. Making sure that your ladder has a sturdy, firm and level base on the floor below that you will be working from is extremely important for any plasterers safety.

It is also important not to stretch or lean across on your ladder, this will increase your risk of injury hugely. Instead of reaching over for those hard to reach areas, you must come down from the ladder and re-position accordingly to avoid reaching out and consequently, to avoid injury.

Plasterers are likely to be using high risk heavy, electrical equipment whilst working at a height too, so the need for stability cannot be stressed enough. You can purchase ladders that are specially designed for plasterers to reduce the risk of falling, as well as plastering stilts, which will enhance your protection.

WORKING WITH FELLOW TRADESMEN

Plastering is a craft that is usually undertaken whilst structures are still in the process of being built, so you are extremely likely to work alongside with and come into contact with fellow tradesmen. You will likely work with plumbers, electricians and builders during your plastering project, so it is really important to consider each other's safety at all times and be aware of your surroundings and those people inside them.

Most construction site professionals will be familiar with cross trade risk assessments. These are imperative to carry out for the safety of everybody involved in the development of the build and construction. A cross trade risk assessment analyses the different tasks, and the different risks involved in those that will effect the surroundings and the safety of the professionals around them. Due to the multitude of construction projects going on the risk to everyone's health & safety increases, however with a thorough cross trade risk assessment this can be avoided.

Sticking to health & safety rules are straightforward for a plasterer but refreshing your memory every now and again won't hurt as much as a fall or injury could. Regular health & safety training and keeping your equipment in good condition will ensure that you drastically reduce your risk of injury during your working life as a plasterer.