Construction workers face many hazards on the job every day. While there are many safety protocols in place to help reduce these risks, it’s important for businesses and individuals to be aware of the dangers they may encounter on the job. Working as part of a team in the construction industry comes with its own set of inherent hazards. To stay safe, it’s important to understand what these hazards are so you can stay informed and take protective measures accordingly. Here is a list of some of the most common safety hazards in construction:
Violations and Accidents
Violations and accidents are two types of incidents that can happen on any job site. A violation is any instance in which a construction worker or supervisor breaks a rule or regulation set by their employer or state. Accidents, on the other hand, are unfortunate events that occur as a result of negligence or recklessness. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime, but they are often more common in certain areas of the construction industry. Some of the more common types of accidents in the construction industry are listed below:
- Falling - Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Workers are particularly at risk for fatal falls during the course of their work.
- Slips, Trips and Falls - Slip, trip and fall injuries can happen to anyone while on the job. Falls from ladders, scaffolds and other elevated work areas are particularly dangerous and can lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
- Fires and Explosions - Building fires and explosions can occur anywhere in a construction site, but are more common in industrial and commercial construction projects.
- Struck-By-Vehicle Accidents - Struck-by-vehicle accidents often occur while workers are on the road driving to the worksite. Workers may choose to ride along with a co-worker who is bringing in heavy equipment, but this practice increases the risk of being struck.
Exposure to Hazards
Workers in the construction industry are often exposed to a variety of hazards, including extreme temperatures, falling hazards, and dusts and gases. The most common hazards that workers in the construction industry are exposed to include the following:
- Excessive heat and cold - Working in extreme temperatures is a hazard in all industries, but it can be especially problematic in the construction industry. Excessive heat, particularly when working outdoors, can lead to heat stress and even heat stroke, while extreme cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and frostnip.
- Falling - Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Workers are particularly at risk for fatal falls during the course of their work.
- Exposure to hazardous materials - Many construction projects involve the use of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead and others. Workers who are exposed to these materials are at risk for developing health issues.
- Exposure to dangerous chemicals - Some construction projects involve the use of dangerous chemicals. Workers who come in contact with these chemicals are at risk for developing health issues.
Working Alone
Working alone is a common practice in a variety of construction industries. Working alone, however, increases the risk of being injured or harmed. Working alone may be necessary for certain jobs, but employers should take steps to minimize the risks associated with working alone by implementing strategies like the following:
- Communicate and train - Before beginning any job, employers should ensure that their workers are properly trained. Employers should also take steps to ensure that their workers have a safe work environment by providing them with the necessary tools, protective gear and other resources.
- Properly size tasks - When workers are working alone on a job, they should be properly sized so that they do not exceed their capabilities. If a job is too large for a single worker to handle, the worker should not attempt to complete the job alone.
- Limit working hours - It may be necessary for workers to work long hours alone on a job, but employers should limit the number of hours workers can work alone. Employers should also monitor workers to make sure they are remaining safe and healthy during their hours of work.
Working with Ladders and Scaffolds
Ladders and scaffolds are common tools in the construction industry, but they also carry inherent risks. To help ensure that workers are protected from these hazards, employers should implement a variety of safety protocols. Here is a list of some of the best practices for ladder and scaffold safety:
- Use the right ladder for the job - Ladders are essential tools in the construction industry, but there are many different types of ladders. Before purchasing a ladder, employers should determine which ladder is best suited for the job.
- Ensure the ladder is secured - To ensure that a ladder doesn’t fall, employers should tie the ladder to nearby structures or anchor it to the ground.
- Ensure ladder users have the proper training - Employers should ensure that all ladder users are trained in the proper use of the ladder. Ladder users should also be trained in how to secure the ladder.
- Avoid over-crowding - Ladders should not be over-crowded. Employers should ensure that there is plenty of space between ladders and no more than three workers per ladder.
- Keep ladders clean and dry - Ladders should be kept clean and dry to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.
Working at Heights
Working at heights is a common practice in the construction industry, but it also carries significant risks. Employers should implement the following safety protocols to help reduce the risks associated with working at heights:
- Ensure appropriate safety equipment is in use - Employers should ensure that all workers who are working at heights use the appropriate safety equipment.
- Comply with safety regulations - Employers should comply with regulations designed to protect workers from the dangers of working at heights.
- Train workers on safety protocols - Employers should provide workers with the necessary training in the protocols for working at heights.
- Maintain proper spacing and clearance - Employers should maintain a proper spacing between workers and the edge of the roof as well as between workers themselves.
- Ensure that workers are properly identified - Employers should ensure that workers are properly identified and their safety is maintained.
Working with Heavy Equipment
Working with heavy equipment is a common practice in many construction industries. Working with heavy equipment, however, can lead to a variety of safety hazards that many construction workers are not trained to recognize and handle. Some of the best practices for working with heavy equipment include the following:
- Ensure proper training - Employers should ensure that all workers who are working with