Close
Save

Most Common Hazards Construction Site

 

What Are the Most Common Hazards on a Construction Site?

Unfortunately, construction is one of the top industries for the occurrence of fatal injuries to workers. This is why it is so important to be able to identify and mitigate any potential hazards on a job site. These hazards can vary from worksite to worksite, as they are largely dependent upon the type of construction work that is being done, and the tools, machinery, and structures that are being implemented. Read on to learn more about some of the most common construction site hazards, so that you can watch out and plan for them in the future. 

Slips, Trips, or Falls

Slips, trips, and resulting falls are the most commonly reported workplace injury when it comes to the construction industry. Luckily, these tend to be non-fatal, but can still deal quite a bit of damage to the body, depending upon the condition of the worker, where they fell, and how far they fell. It’s also important to note that, typically, these can be easily avoided by properly labeling hazards like wet floors or by keeping the work zone clean, dry, and free of clutter or cords.

Working at Height

Working at height is a hazard that is similar to the slips, trips, and falls that we discussed above. This is one of the top causes of fatal workplace injuries for construction workers as well. These injuries typically occur when workers are working on scaffolding or ladders, and what usually occurs is a fall from this height. This can have happened because the worker was not wearing a safety harness or the scaffolding collapsed, for example. Damaged ladders or ladders that are not right for the job being done can also lead to a dangerous fall. 

Noise and Hearing Damage

Construction job sites can be very loud, due to the machinery and power tools that are often used. If a worker is being exposed to this level of noise all day for the entire work week, it can lead to hearing loss issues and even deafness after enough time. Loud and repetitive noise can also distract a person and impact their ability to focus or think and work safely. It can also mask the noise of other workers when trying to warn of other issues or communicate about the job being done– so it can even lead to other hazards and injuries! 

Electrical Hazards

When working with power tools or heavy machinery, it makes sense that electrocution could be a potential hazard. Tools can easily short out or electrocute workers, especially when working outside or in the elements– plus, unfinished buildings can often let the elements in. Even if it had rained the night before while nobody was working, workers can still be in danger of electrocution if they come in the next day and the work site is still wet, for instance. If these power tools are not being inspected or serviced properly and regularly, this could also cause electrocution and other such issues to occur, which could end up being fatal. 

Asbestos 

Asbestos, as well as other airborne debris and particles, is another commonly occurring construction site hazard. Asbestos is a large health risk and could lead to a lung disease known as mesothelioma. Other types of dirt and debris can cause respiratory issues, too, if inhaled or ingested, though they have not necessarily been linked to mesothelioma. Asbestos or other debris can be released into the air during certain tasks on a job site, such as demolition– or any other action that can disturb the insulation or certain other construction materials. This is because asbestos was often used in these materials before its health effects were known.

 

 

Book a Demo

Importance of Safety Reporting
Proper safety reporting is crucial because it can help to identify issues and potential hazards on the site. These can then be addressed so that workplace injuries are avoided and workers are kept safe and healthy. If you are not performing routine safety reporting and evaluating the job site for hazards, many safety issues could crop up and put workers in danger. This also allows for you to take a look at what types of hazards continue to occur, so you can figure out how best to target and prevent them in the future.

Additional reading - How to Encourage Safety Reporting

Know More Hazard App

A great way to efficiently complete your safety reporting is to use the Know More Hazard app. Instead of filling out your reports on paper, which you may end up misplacing, you can quickly and thoroughly complete your reports right on your phone or computer. Regardless of the device you choose to use for the initial report, you will be able to access it from your other devices, too. This makes it easier, because you will have all of your information at your fingertips at all times– no need to dig through your desk or filing cabinets~ 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most significant hazard on a job site?

There are many potential hazards on job sites, and they may fall into different categories, so they can be considered equally significant. However, some of the most common job site hazards are slips, trips, falls from heights– such as from ladders or scaffolding– and noise, which can lead to hearing loss.

What are the 5 common hazards?

The five major workplace hazards that a construction worker might experience are falls and falling objects, fire hazards, chemical exposure, electrical hazards, and repetitive motion injury.

What are the top 10 safety risks in construction?

In construction, the top 10 safety risks you may encounter are as follows:

What are the types of physical hazards on a construction site?

The physical hazards on a construction site include radiation, ergonomic hazards, heat and cold stress, vibration hazards, and noise hazards. Certain engineering controls are typically used to try and mitigate physical hazards on a job site.