What are the most common construction hazards?
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries worldwide. The nature of the work, the equipment used, and the environments where construction happens all contribute to making construction sites particularly dangerous. So what are the most common hazards in construction that workers need to be aware of?
Construction sites are rife with hazards that can endanger workers’ health and safety. In fact, figures from the CLAC highlight the industry’s risks, with 20.2 workers killed annually for every 100,000 workers due to work-related accidents. Below are some of the most common hazards in construction.
Manual handling hazards
Manual handling hazards are common in construction. They involve the physical handling of materials, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects. Improper manual handling can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, including back strains, sprains, and even more serious injuries like herniated discs.
How to avoid manual handling hazards:
- Use proper lifting techniques: Workers should be trained on how to lift objects safely. Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs to lift the load, rather than your back.
- Apply mechanical aids: Where possible, use equipment like forklifts, cranes, or wheelbarrows to move heavy materials instead of relying on manual labour.
- Limit load weight: Avoid lifting materials that are too heavy for one person. Use team lifting when necessary and keep loads within safe weight limits.
- Plan the lift: Before moving an object, confirm you have a clear path and avoid carrying objects over long distances or up stairs when possible.
Reducing manual handling hazards on construction sites is crucial for protecting worker health, particularly over the long term, where repetitive strain can result in chronic injuries.
Vehicle hazards
Another common hazard on construction sites is related to the operation and movement of vehicles. Construction sites are busy places with a range of vehicles in constant motion, including trucks, bulldozers, cranes, and forklifts. Vehicle hazards at construction sites can occur when workers are struck by moving vehicles, caught between vehicles and structures, or injured while operating machinery.
How to avoid vehicle hazards:
- Establish traffic management plans: Every construction site should have a clear traffic management plan that includes designated routes for vehicles and workers to prevent collisions.
- Ensure proper vehicle maintenance: Regularly inspect vehicles to ensure they are in good working order. Malfunctioning brakes, lights, or warning systems can contribute to accidents.
- Train vehicle operators: Only trained and licensed personnel should operate heavy machinery and vehicles. Adequate vehicle safety training helps reduce the risk of any injuries.
- Use spotters: When operating vehicles in close quarters or near workers, use spotters to guide the vehicle and prevent accidents.
By implementing strict safety protocols around vehicles, construction sites can significantly reduce the risk of serious accidents.
Working at height hazards
Working at height hazards are among the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries in the construction industry. This includes working on scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, or any elevated surface where there is a risk of falling. According to the Environmental Consulting Occupational Health (ECOH), 42,000 workers are injured each year due to a fall, highlighting the importance of addressing these hazards effectively.
How to avoid working at height hazards:
- Use scaffolding protocols: Ensure all scaffolding is properly erected, maintained, and inspected regularly. Only trained personnel should set up or dismantle scaffolding.
- Wear appropriate safety equipment: Workers should always wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes harnesses, helmets, and fall arrest systems when working at heights.
- Secure tools and materials: Prevent objects from falling by securing tools and materials and using toe boards or nets to catch falling debris.
- Assess risks: Before any work at heights begins, conduct a risk assessment to identify potential dangers and create a plan for how to minimise those risks.
Follow health and safety guidelines. Provide workers with thorough training in working at heights protocols, keeping your team safer and reducing the likelihood of falls.
Slips, trips, and falls hazards
Among the most common hazards and causes of injuries on construction sites are slips, trips, and falls. Uneven ground, debris, spills, and poor lighting can all contribute to these types of accidents. Although often considered minor accidents, they can result in serious injuries like fractures, concussions, and even fatalities.
How to avoid slips, trips, and falls hazards in construction:
- Keep walkways clear: Ensure that all pathways are free of debris, tools, and materials that could cause workers to trip. Regularly inspect the site and clean up any hazards.
- Use proper signage: Mark any particularly hazardous areas or substances, such as slippery surfaces, with clear and visible signage.
- Maintain good lighting: Poor lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles. Ensure all work areas are well-lit, especially in low-light conditions or after dark.
- Wear the right footwear: It’s essential to wear footwear with slip-resistant soles. This provides better traction on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
- Use non-slip flooring: On areas prone to becoming wet or oily, consider using non-slip flooring materials or coatings to reduce the risk of slipping.
Being proactive about addressing common slip, trip, and fall hazards can help keep workers safe. It also reduces the number of workplace accidents on construction sites.
Who do you report hazards to on a construction site?
On a construction site, safety is everyone’s responsibility. All workers in Canada have the right to be informed about potential hazards, participate in safety discussions, and refuse work they believe to be unsafe.
If you notice a potential hazard, it’s crucial to report it immediately. Generally, hazards should be reported to your site supervisor, safety officer, or foreperson. Larger construction sites may also have a dedicated health and safety officer or safety committee. They are responsible for ensuring that safety protocols are followed.
It’s important to remember that reporting hazards is not just about following procedure—it’s about preventing accidents before they happen. A proactive approach to hazard identification can help reduce the likelihood of serious incidents on the worksite. Plus, a strong culture of safety and communication is key to keeping everyone involved safe.
Check out Part 2 of our Hazards in Construction series for more on addressing common hazards.
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Whether you need assistance with risk assessments, staff training, safe working procedures or live health and safety advice, our experts are here to help you create a safer work environment for all.
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