There are plenty of hazards business owners and trades workers face on construction sites. Each field of construction offers a few unique hazards and risks to consider. However, there are a few construction site hazards that are fairly universal. Many of them are preventable with proper awareness, training, and safety protocols (and equipment).
Falls
By and large, falls are the leading cause of construction site injuries. Falls do not need to happen from great heights in order to cause significant bodily harm. Even falls of step ladders can lead to loss of income for extended periods of time – not to mention costly medical expenses.
Falls from stairs, ladders, and scaffolding are major hazards on construction sites in all areas of construction. It’s important to maintain vigilance when working from heights, even lower heights, to prevent falls that can be as painful as they are costly.
Electrical Shock
According to Construction Business Owner, electrical hazards are the third leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. They also represent 12 percent of the deaths among younger construction workers. The problem with electrical hazards is that there are so many of them and they aren’t always immediately obvious.
In order to avoid some of the more common electrical hazards, identify all overhead (and underground) power lines before beginning any construction project and avoid keeping equipment near those lines or using any conductive types of ladders nearby. Avoid all contact with live circuits, inspect power cords daily – repair or replace equipment with frayed cords, and unplug tools before making repairs, changing parts, or when not in use.
Head Injuries
Another significant risk on the workplace, for construction workers, is the risk of head injuries. That’s why it’s so important to always wear protective headgear on a construction site. Head injuries can result from objects falling from heights, running into fixed objects head first (it happens—more than anyone cares to admit), or head contact with electrical hazards.
Prevention comes in many forms when it comes to head injuries. First and foremost, wear protective headgear at all times. Second, spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the specific details of the construction site each day before you begin. Hazards may be there today that weren’t there yesterday. Finally, avoid walking under structures (such as ladders and scaffolding) that may increase your risks of contact with falling objects.
Accidents happen, no matter how vigilant you and your workforce happen to be. That’s why it’s so important that you purchase the proper types of business insurance policies such as contractors insurance, electrician contractors insurance, masonry contractors insurance, painting contractors insurance, heating and HVAC contractors insurance, etc. if you don’t have the right type of insurance, you might find yourself left out in the cold if, and when, injuries do occur.
