Working in the construction industry is inherently dangerous. There are hazards associated with every type of construction job from heavy manufacturing to road building. However, some jobs are riskier than others. Some of the most dangerous occupations in the construction industry include, but are not limited to; roofing, roofing iron workers, road building, demolition, excavation, general construction, underground utilities and pipelines, and many more. There are many instances where workers are killed or seriously injured from various types of construction-related incidents. It’s important for construction workers and others to understand the risks involved with different occupations and know what to look for when hiring a contractor for their next project.Working in the construction industry comes with its own set of dangers and hazards — from heavy equipment to falling objects — that can lead to serious injury or death. Below we look at some of the most common construction-related accidents and injuries:

Falls

Falls are the number one cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Falls from a height account for over 80% of all fatalities and nearly 90% of all serious injuries. For example, in New York City in 2011, there were 52 fall-related fatalities in the construction industry. In each of these cases, the victims were working on rooftop construction projects when they fell from the roof and suffered fatal injuries. These fatalities could have easily been prevented if the workers had been wearing fall protection equipment like safety nets or ladders with safety harnesses. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been requiring construction workers to wear safety harnesses when working on unprotected areas of a roof since 1994. However, there are still many companies that fail to follow these regulations and fail to provide their workers with the appropriate safety equipment. The use of safety netting or safety ladders with safety harnesses is estimated to reduce fatalities from falls by up to 90%. OSHA statistics show that in the construction industry, falls account for 50% of all fatalities. The majority of these fatalities occur when workers are renovating or demolishing buildings and fail to follow proper fall protection procedures like using a safety net or proper fall prevention signs nearby. The other 50% of fatalities are caused by falls from heights and falling objects. Falls from heights are usually fatal because of the high impact force they cause when a person hits the ground. Falls from heights account for almost half of all fatalities.

Falls - Safety netting

Safety netting is one of the best ways to prevent workers from falling from heights. It is usually made out of heavy-duty fabric that can catch a falling worker before they hit the ground. The safety netting can be installed over open construction sites or work areas where there is a high risk for falling workers. There are several types of safety netting available on the market, each with their own advantages. The most common type of safety netting used in the construction industry is the woven-wire safety net. Woven-wire safety netting has a mesh size of about 3 by 12 inches and can be installed on open construction sites or on scaffolding. This type of safety netting is also available in different colors to easily distinguish it from the surroundings. Woven-wire safety netting is very effective in catching falling workers because of the large mesh size. It is also very durable and can last for years even if it is exposed to bad weather and is constantly exposed to the elements.

Falls - Ladders

Ladders are another common type of fall prevention equipment. They can be used to work at heights with less risk of falling or slipping off the ladder. Ladders used for fall prevention should be of a heavy-duty construction and have non-marking rubber feet to protect floors and other surfaces. The ladder should be placed on a firm and level surface and the top step should be no more than 2 meters above the floor. A fall safety risk assessment should be performed before using ladders at construction sites. This risk assessment should include determining the risks associated with the specific project and the workers’ heights.

Machine hazards

Tractor-equipped excavators, cranes, backhoes, and other heavy machinery are commonly used in the construction industry. These types of machinery can cause serious injuries and fatalities if not used properly. The hazards associated with these machines include:- Excavators and backhoes can cause crushing injuries if the operator is working too close to the bucket. The operator should keep a distance of at least 18 inches from the bucket.- Excavators can also cause crushing injuries if the operator does not have their seatbelt on. It is recommended to always wear a seatbelt when operating an excavator.- The operator of a crane can be seriously injured if they are not familiar with the crane’s operating procedures.- Operating a crane with only one person is very dangerous and can lead to a fatal accident.- Many types of heavy construction equipment are capable of causing serious injuries and even fatalities to anyone nearby.

Vehicle rollover injuries

Vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of fatalities in the construction industry. When travelling on construction sites, workers should drive slowly and avoid driving at night or in bad weather conditions. Drivers should also be extra cautious when travelling on sites where there is no paved road or there is an area where work has just been completed. Drivers should be on the lookout for workers, materials, and other hazards on the road. If a construction site is on a curve, the driver should be extra cautious and slow down if necessary. Drivers should also be aware of any construction workers who may be walking along the road and be prepared to stop if the workers need assistance.

Work equipment hazards

Workers often use their own tools when working on construction sites. However, some tools can cause serious injuries if not used properly. The most common types of construction equipment that can cause injuries are:- Woodcutting machines can cause splinter injuries if the wood is not cut properly.- Operating a chainsaw is dangerous and should be done with extreme caution.- Wrecking machines can cause crushing injuries if the machines are not properly secured.- Operating a jackhammer can cause crushing injuries if the worker does not use the right safety equipment.- Lifting equipment that is not properly secured can cause crushing injuries.- Excavators are one of the most dangerous types of construction equipment.

Workergonosopohology

Workergonosophology refers to the study of how people can perform their normal daily activities in a way that reduces their risk of injury or illness. This means that the work environment needs to be designed to reduce the risk of injury or illness associated with certain tasks. There are many ways that workergonosophology can