Construction sites are notoriously hazardous working environments. The combination of working at height, heavy machinery, trip hazards, and exposure to harmful materials puts construction workers at high risk of injury and ill health. However, with proper safety practices and precautions, these risks can be significantly reduced. This article will examine the main dangers construction workers face and provide recommendations on minimising risks through training, protective equipment, and safe work systems.
The Statistics
Statistics show that the construction industry continues to have one of the highest rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries of any sector in the UK. In 2021/22, there were 30 fatal injuries to construction workers, most commonly caused by falls from height and contact with moving machinery. Additionally, there were an estimated 61,000 non-fatal injuries. Clearly, more needs to be done to improve safety on construction sites.
The Dangers of Working at Height
Falls from height are the leading cause of fatalities and major injuries on construction sites. Roof work, scaffolding, and ladder use all involve the risk of serious or fatal falls if proper precautions are not taken. Possible injuries include fractures, head trauma, and paralysis. Safe systems of work, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems can dramatically reduce the risks of working at height. Additionally, proper inspection and maintenance of ladders, scaffolds, and roof edges is essential.
Threats from Moving Vehicles and Objects
Construction sites are full of moving vehicles, including dump trucks, excavators, and delivery lorries. Additionally, cranes lift and swing heavy suspended loads. Contact with moving plant vehicles or loads can result in severe crush injuries or death. Clear traffic management plans, one-way systems, reversing cameras, and separate pedestrian walkways help keep workers away from vehicles. PPE, such as high-visibility clothing, also helps prevent accidents.
Exposure to Hazardous Substances
Materials used in construction like asbestos, cement, paints, and insulation contain hazardous chemicals. Prolonged exposure can cause lung disease, skin conditions, and cancer. Adequate ventilation, personal protective equipment like masks and respirators, and proper training in using these materials safely are important in protecting workers. Construction dust also poses a major risk, but water suppression, extraction systems, and PPE help reduce this danger. To ensure the availability of essential safety equipment, partnering with an industrial products distributor can provide access to high-quality materials and solutions tailored for construction sites.
Noise Exposure
The constant noise on construction sites from machinery, power tools, and radios can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss if unprotected. This ‘hand-arm vibration syndrome’ can also cause circulation issues and nerve damage in the hands and fingers. The use of noise-reducing tools, barriers, and ear protection such as earplugs and earmuffs preserves workers’ hearing.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Manual handling of heavy materials like bricks, concrete, tools, and machinery can lead to back injuries, sprains, hernias, and other musculoskeletal disorders over time. The use of mechanical lifting aids, training in safe lifting techniques, job rotation, and stretching/warm-up exercises can help reduce these manual handling risks.
While construction work inevitably involves some irreducible risks, proper training, protective equipment, and safe systems of work can dramatically reduce accidents and health issues. A focus on safety from management and supervision, combined with vigilance and safe behaviour from workers, creates a strong ‘safety culture’. With commitment and effort from all involved, construction can be made a lower-risk occupation.
