Pro Tips To Prevent Most Common Hazards At Construction Sites

Do you know workers at construction sites are exposed to many workplace hazards each day?

The construction field is one of the rising sources of employment. Even it is considered as the “high demand and high paying” business throughout the world.

However, no surprise that it also brings some serious hazards and life-threatening conditions. Regardless of the size of the construction project, risks of injury and potential hazards always exist.

Thus, precautions and proper planning play a very crucial role in workers’ safety on work sites. Here are some common hazards and some of the crucial safety tips on how to avoid them:

Table of Contents

Electrical Injuries

Electrical injuries don’t occur very often on job sites, but they are one of the biggest reasons for fatalities. In fact, Electrical accidents cause more than 4,000 injuries and 300 deaths every year among the U.S. workforce. The danger can come from both arc flash and electrical shock.

Most electrical hazards are the result of unsafe operations over conductors and power lines, improper grounding and maintenance of the equipment, overloaded circuits, or open electrical parts and incorrect wiring.

Safety steps:

Stop placing the equipment under power lines, as it can cause electrical shocks due to high voltage electricity.
Warning signage must be posted and visible in all weather conditions.
A separate worker should be assigned to supervise the operator around conductors and power lines. Maintain a minimum space from overhead power lines during work on scaffolds and ladders.
Make sure to wear hard hats and safety boots.

Falls from Certain Heights

As the scaffolding goes up, the risk of falls increases, which can cause major injuries and fatalities. Improper equipment maintenance, inadequate lighting system, cluttered work areas, poor safety protection are some major causes of falls from height. As the scaffolding goes up, the risk of falls increases, which can cause major injuries and fatalities. Improper equipment maintenance, inadequate lighting system, cluttered work areas, poor safety protection are some major causes of falls from height. Add” As the scaffolding goes up, the risk of falls increases, which can cause major injuries and fatalities. Improper equipment maintenance, inadequate lighting system, cluttered work areas, poor safety protection are some major causes of falls from height. The best way to reduce this risk is by conducting working at height training so that everyone is aware of the risks, ways to work safely, and how to stay safe during their shift.

Safety steps:

Maintain the safety of workers by proper maintenance of equipment such as aerial lifts, scaffolding, and ladders.
Most work sites accidents occur because of operator error, so, make your employees learn the aerial lift training– to properly operate lifts, maneuver various types of terrains, and recognize and avoid accidents.
Use physical barriers, like guardrails, aware your employees avoid leaning on them when on the lift platform.

Struck By Moving Vehicles

Untrained operators, inattentiveness, loose clothing, and safety wearable negligence are some primary causes that can put your employees at high risk.

Safety steps

Avoid operating equipment in reverse, else use reverse alarms to avoid collisions and remain aware of blind spots.
Use necessary signage in high traffic areas and detection systems/alarms to warn workers.

Slips and Trips

It’s not surprising that various construction sites involve unstable terrain and uneven surfaces due to which so many accidents occur when most could be prevented.

Weather hazards, spills, and loose mats are prominent causes of slips. On the other side, trips often occur due to poorly lit areas, obstructed vision, clutter or rough walking surfaces.

Safety steps:

Most hazards can easily be prevented by paying attention to every little detail and regular maintenance of the work site.
Use signage to wet and slippery areas and immediate cleaning of spills.
Make sure that the work areas are thoroughly clear of materials that can cause tripping hazards and have good lighting.
Mandate your employees to wear suitable footwear that has anti-slip soles to prevent slips.

Taking proper safety measures and educating your employees with full-fledged training should be your primary key of defense against accidents!