There has been plenty of discussion in recent weeks about the major new construction project in Seneca, where a 19,000 square foot Aldi store is being built. With the usual attention paid to timing, things had no longer got started that the work ground to a halt for the holiday season.
This led to the usual concerns that as the first wave of post-Christmas boredom hit, kids would be making a beeline for the place as a far more interesting kind of playground than any real one.
We all know that construction sites are dangerous, but at the same time, every one of us was a kid once, so we should also acknowledge that knowledge is one thing, taking the most sensible course of action and staying well away is quite another!
Tell the kids to stay away and they might or might not pay some degree of attention. Teaching them why and making sure they understand the dangers will equip them with the knowledge that will put them in good stead for life.
Signs and symbols
It is not as if we are not adequately warned about the dangers of a construction site. There are usually signs up all over the place – but how many do you really understand? Teaching children the meanings of different safety signs can be quite an eye opener for the parents, too! You can get information on all the different types of signs you might encounter from this website. It is a great starting point, and something you can go through with children of any age.
Other safety tips
Whatever kind of building work is going on, the following safety tips will put youngsters in good stead:
- Keep to the sidewalk or designated footway.
- Keep a lookout for sidewalk closures and use the temporary walkways when provided.
- Stay well clear of construction equipment, even when it’s not in operation.
- Keep clear of work areas.
- If you have to enter a work area, watch your surroundings for dangers such as holes, live electrics and trip hazards.
- Keep your wits about you – that means leave your cellphone in your pocket and your headphones off!
- If vehicles such as dump trucks and diggers are in operation, assume that they cannot see you. If you have to be in close proximity, try to make eye contact with the driver.
- Watch out for falling objects, and not necessarily from directly above. A bucket can be carried a long way on the wind if it is accidentally dropped from a tall building, and will do nasty damage
- If an area is chained off, it is for a very good reason. Those keep out signs are aimed at you!
Teaching them the why
Humans of all ages are far more likely to do something if they understand the reasoning behind it. We see it in the world of work with failed attempts to change particular practices, and we certainly see it with kids. Allow them to take some responsibility for their own safety, and just see how they respond.