Construction sites are a hub for activity and productivity, but they also come with risks that can threaten worker safety. Recognizing examples of hazards and taking steps to prevent them can help keep your site running safely and efficiently.
This article will explore common construction hazards and strategies you can implement to create an on-site safety culture. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or new to the construction industry, recognizing potential hazards and implementing the right safety measures reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and claims.
Protecting Your People
The non-fatal injury rate in construction is 3.1 per 100 full-time workers. When safety is a core company value, employees are more likely to look out for one another and take proactive steps to prevent accidents.
“Safety starts at the top,” says Matt Sbordone, construction underwriting specialist at Central. “If leadership isn’t committed to safety, employees won’t be either. Curiosity is vital. If there is an on-site accident, it’s important to understand the root cause to prevent it from happening again.”
Three Reasons to Invest in Safety
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Hazard awareness contributes to overall efficiency and productivity. Workers can perform their jobs with confidence when they clearly understand potential risks and safety protocols. Fewer injuries and absences ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget. - OSHA Compliance
Employee safety is a vital part of regulatory compliance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets strict guidelines to ensure employers maintain safe working conditions. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to costly penalties and litigation. - Emergency Preparedness
Having an emergency preparedness plan in place can save lives. Proper training and preparedness ensure workers know how to respond to accidents.
Examples of Hazards on Construction Sites
OSHA’s Focus Four is a program that identifies the four leading causes of construction industry fatalities. Of all potential hazards, these four account for most construction injuries and fatalities:
Falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites and one of the most preventable. They can occur from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or any elevated work area. Workers may lose their balance or footing due to unstable surfaces, a lack of guardrails, or improper use of fall protection equipment. Ensuring proper training, using safety harnesses, and maintaining secure scaffolding can significantly reduce fall risks.
Struck-by incidents cause 11% of construction deaths per year. These accidents occur when moving vehicles, falling objects, or equipment collide with workers. Helmets, safety goggles, gloves, and high-visibility clothing are just a few examples of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect workers from injury when exposed to these workplace hazards. Proper PPE can make the difference between a minor incident and a fatal injury.
“Implementing strict protocols for machine operation, using protective barriers, and enforcing the use of PPE like hard hats can drastically reduce struck-by risks,” Sbordone says.
Caught-in Between-Accidents:
Caught-in-between accidents occur when workers get caught, crushed, or pinned between machinery or materials. These incidents typically involve heavy equipment like cranes, forklifts, or excavators. Trenching operations can also pose significant risks if trench walls are not properly stored, leading to potential cave-ins that can trap workers. Establishing clear communication protocols, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that workers are aware of their surroundings can help prevent caught-in-between accidents.
Failing to meet electrical safety standards is one of the most frequently cited construction site violations, accounting for 8.5% of construction site fatalities. Electrocution hazards include live wires, ungrounded electrical tools, and damaged or poorly maintained electrical equipment. Proper electrical safety training, regular equipment inspections, and ensuring all electrical systems are de-energized before work begins are key to preventing injuries.
PPE: Traditional Meets Tech
In addition to traditional PPE, technology is enhancing worker safety. Innovations like smart helmets, wearable sensors, and proximity alert systems provide real-time data and insights that can help prevent accidents before they happen.
Below, we outline some of the top examples of protective tech for each top hazard category.
Protective Tech for Falls
Wearable Tech: Wearable technology actively monitors worker movements and provides real-time alerts to prevent accidents. Sensors in devices like smart harnesses and smart helmets track a worker’s position and detect potential hazards.
For instance, if a worker approaches the edge of a roof or platform, the wearable device can instantly alert them to the danger, reducing the risk of falls. Additionally, these devices can monitor vital signs and environmental conditions, like temperature and air quality, helping to prevent heat stress, dehydration, and exposure to harmful substances.
Drones: Drones are increasingly used to conduct aerial inspections, offering a safer and more efficient way to identify potential fall hazards. By capturing high-resolution images and video footage, drones can thoroughly assess rooftops, scaffolding, and other high-risk zones without exposing workers to dangerous heights.
Protective Tech for Struck-By Hazards
Vehicle and Equipment Telematics: Telematics technology enhances safety by tracking the location and movement of vehicles and equipment. It also monitors operator behavior, identifying risky practices like speeding or harsh braking, which can then be addressed through targeted operator training.
Proximity Sensors and Wearable Alert Systems: Proximity sensors installed on vehicles and heavy machinery detect and alert operators when workers or obstacles are nearby, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. These sensors create a safety buffer around the equipment, ensuring that operators are immediately aware of any potential dangers in their vicinity. Workers can also wear alert systems, such as vests or bands that vibrate or beep, to warn them when they are in the path of moving equipment. This dual approach enhances situational awareness for both operators and workers.
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Protective Tech for Caught-In-Between Hazards
Barrier Guarding: Barrier guarding involves strategically installing physical barriers around areas with high-risk machinery or equipment to prevent accidental worker access. These barriers serve as a critical line of defense, ensuring that workers and the public are kept at a safe distance from dangerous moving parts and hazardous zones.
Trench Safety Systems and Sensors: Trench safety sensors and systems continuously monitor trench stability by measuring factors like soil pressure and moisture. If the system detects conditions suggesting a risk of collapse, it alerts workers and site managers with real-time warnings. Early alerts support preventive action.
Protective Tech for Electrocutions
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are designed to automatically cut off power when they detect an electrical imbalance, which can indicate a fault or potential electrocution risk. By quickly shutting down the circuit, GFCIs help prevent electrical shocks and injuries from faulty equipment or wiring, ensuring a safer work environment.
How to Protect Your Crew from Construction Hazards
Creating a safety culture involves more than just setting rules—it requires consistent action. From wearing PPE to conducting regular safety inspections and implementing site-specific training programs, each step protects workers from injuries and potential hazards. By prioritizing safety measures, you create a risk-minimized environment where everyone is equipped to work safely and efficiently.
Three Simple Ways to Protect Your Crew:
- Consistently Wear PPE: Workers should consistently wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vests. PPE is the first line of defense against potential injuries from falling objects, sharp materials, and other physical dangers.
- Conduct Regular Safety Inspections: Perform frequent site inspections to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Ensure equipment is in good working condition, walkways are clear, and safety protocols are followed. These inspections help prevent accidents before they occur.
- Implement Site-Specific Safety Training Programs: Regular safety training plays a crucial role in preventing accidents. Training sessions should cover the proper use of equipment, hazard recognition, and emergency response procedures. By informing employees about the latest safety protocols, workers can avoid accidents and respond effectively in an emergency.
The Central Difference
Creating a culture of safety goes beyond basic compliance. Proper safety training, actively identifying hazards, and implementing preventative measures protect your team and contribute to your projects’ overall success and efficiency. Central’s dedicated loss control team is a strong partner to our policyholders.
“They know the industry, so they know how to go to job sites and identify existing exposures and hazards that help policyholders prevent losses and claims before they occur. We also work with our policyholders to design and build a loss control program,” Sbordone says. “This proactive approach enhances workplace safety and protects their bottom line.”
Check out these resources to learn more about construction safety and loss prevention:
