Hazards in construction to be aware of

Did you know that the construction industry is the most dangerous sector across the world? And on top of that, there were 45 fatal injuries in the construction sector in 2023 according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Construction sites are risky environments filled with hazards, so it’s vital that safety is a top priority when it comes to compliance and the welfare of everyone on site.

 

Legal and regulatory requirements

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is a key piece of legislation that outlines the responsibilities that employers have to provide safe working environments. That includes carrying out risk assessments and having the right policies and procedures in place to make sure everyone stays safe.

Common hazards in construction

Falls from height

According to the HSE, falls from height are the leading cause of fatal injuries in construction, accounting for 51% of incidents.

Construction workers often work at heights on scaffolds, ladders, and roofs, making them vulnerable to falls. To reduce these risks, you need to implement preventative measures like:

• Installing guardrails
• Providing personal fall arrest systems
• Making sure all workers have had safety training
• Regular site inspections
• Maintenance of equipment

Electrical hazards

Electrical hazards can also be very dangerous to construction workers, with the HSE highlighting that 6% of fatal injuries were due to electricity/electrical discharge.

Having high-voltage equipment on site can increase the risk of electrical shocks, burns, or fatalities. Construction workers should…

• Stick to strict safety procedures
• Properly ground equipment
• Keep informed with safety training to prevent electrical accidents
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard against electrical hazards.

Hazardous materials

Construction sites often involve hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and chemicals, which require careful handling to prevent health risks. It’s vital that these materials are labelled correctly, and that they are handled and disposed of carefully and in keeping with safety guidelines. Workers should always wear appropriate PPE, including masks and gloves, to protect themselves from exposure when working with hazardous materials. According to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, you’ve got a duty to protect your employees when handling these substances. It’s important to note though that asbestos requires different handling under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Machinery and equipment risks

Every construction site will use machinery and equipment, making the associated risks unavoidable. If not properly managed, the risk of accidents due to being struck by moving parts or caught in machinery significantly increases. It’s important that machinery and equipment are always operated safely and are regularly maintained. All staff on site should be fully trained on the safe use of machinery and equipment, including the use of PPE to prevent accidents. Making sure that machinery is equipped with safety features and that operators are fully confident on how to safely use machinery and equipment can drastically reduce these hazards on a construction site.

Noise and vibration

Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration can cause long-term health issues, including hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders. Implementing control measures and putting processes in place for regular equipment maintenance can help reduce noise levels. Workers should also be provided with suitable hearing protection and educated on safe working practices to reduce the health impacts of noise and vibration.

Preventive measures

So, what do we do to reduce the risk of hazards on a construction site? There are many preventive measures that can be implemented to prevent construction hazards. These include:

• Regular safety training and briefings are vital to keep all workers informed about potential hazards in construction and the correct use of equipment, machinery and PPE. This will also help workers spot potential risks and look out for other team members on site.
• Making sure all employees have access to properly fitting PPE, and they know how and when to use it.
• Conducting regular risk assessments, safety inspections and audits to help identify and address potential hazards early on and to prevent accidents from occurring.

Get Health & Safety support from Citation

At Citation, we understand that maintaining a safe construction site can be tricky. That’s why we offer expert Health & Safety services designed to help you stay compliant, improve safety measures, and reduce risks. With a team of experienced Health & Safety Consultants, we provide the guidance and resources needed to navigate complex safety regulations and implement effective strategies that are tailored to your business. To find out more about Citation’s services, fill out the form on this page to request a callback, or contact us.