Home construction projects can be very exciting. Whether adding an addition to your home or completely renovating, it’s an exciting time for the entire family. However, for young children, construction sites can be dangerous places. Approximately 4,000 children are injured yearly in construction-related accidents, which guardians could have prevented with the proper safety precautions.
To help keep your young children safe during a home construction project, follow these safety tips:
Talk to Your Contractor About Safety Protocols
Before work begins on your home, talk to your contractor about their safety protocols. Do they have a plan if your child wanders onto the construction site? What measures are they taking to ensure the safety of your child? Good general contractors will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about their safety protocols.
If they don’t have a plan, you can either look for another contractor or work with them to create a safety plan. You want to be confident that your contractor is taking the necessary precautions to keep your child safe while work is being done in your home. You can also ask your contractor if they are willing to put up a fence around the construction site. This will help to keep curious children away from dangerous areas.
Keep Your Child Supervised
It’s essential to keep a close eye on your child when construction workers are present. If possible, have one parent stay home with the child while the other is at work. If that’s not possible, see if a grandparent or trusted friend can come over to help out. The most important thing is that someone is there to supervise your child.
When construction workers are present, your child should not be left alone in the house. Take your child with you if you need to step away for a minute. It only takes a second for an accident to happen. You should also avoid letting your child play outside when construction workers are around. Even if the workers are not in your yard, there could be dangerous materials or debris that your child could come into contact with.
Explain to Your Child What’s Going On
If your child is old enough to understand, explain to them what’s going on. Tell them that there will be construction workers in and out of the house and that they must stay away from them. This may seem common sense, but it’s essential to ensure your child knows not to go near the construction site. Show them where the boundaries are and explain why they need to stay away from the workers and equipment.
If possible, put up a fence or some other type of barrier around the perimeter of the construction site so your child can’t get close. You can also use tape or cones to mark off the workers’ work area. This will help your child know where they need to stay away from.
Create a Safe Space for Your Child
Keep your child away from the construction site by creating a safe space for them to play. If you have a spare room in your house, use it as a playroom for your child. If not, set up a play area in another room away from the construction site. This will give your child a place to play where they won’t be in danger.
You can also use this time to teach your child about safety. Show them how to stay away from the construction site and explain why it’s important. Tell them they can come to you if they see anything that scares them or if they hear loud noises. Your child should know they can always come to you if they feel scared or confused.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. It’s essential to be prepared for emergencies. Know where the nearest hospital is and have a list of emergency numbers handy. Keep a first-aid kit in your home and ensure you know how to use it. Some parents also take CPR classes to prepare them for any situation.
Additionally, you should have a plan in place for what to do if your child goes missing. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do if your child disappears. Ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for your child and have a list of their contact information handy.
A home construction project can be a stressful time for any family. But by taking the necessary precautions, you can help keep your child safe. Supervise your child closely, create a safe space for them to play, and be prepared for emergencies. Following these tips can help ensure that your child stays safe during the construction process.
