Ten Most Common Health and Safety Risks in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is a high-risk sector, which is why it is so important to be compliant with all relevant health and safety legislation and guidance. There are many potential hazards on the average construction site, from trips, slips, and falls to hazardous environments, including asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), airborne dust, electrical shocks, and more. As a contractor or business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your team is safe while on site.
In this article, we’re going to look at the ten most common health and safety risks in the industry and how you can mitigate against them:
Working from height
Many construction jobs involve working over multiple storeys, using ladders, scaffolding, cherry pickers, or mobile platforms. Falling from such a height can lead to major injury or even death, so it’s important that your team have the right safety equipment and that guardrails are installed to limit the risk.
Falls, trips, and slips
Falls don’t have to happen from a great height to be dangerous. Construction sites are often uneven, making slips and trips a common occurrence. Installed temporary walkways can help reduce the risk on a day-to-day basis, as can keeping the immediate work area clear of obstructions.
Moving equipment
Heavy lifting machines, equipment, and vehicles are a common sight on any construction project and potentially dangerous to both their operators and passersby. Ensure your crew is fully trained in the safe use of such vehicles and that all team members wear high-vis jackets to allow them to be seen.
Noise
Construction sites are noisy places, and prolonged exposure can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. Anyone operating loud machinery should be wearing the appropriate ear defenders, as should anyone else on site within hearing distance.
Vibration
Power tools and other heavy equipment often vibrate at a high frequency as part of their mode of operation. Prolonged use of such equipment can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which often results in long-term or permanent damage. Enforcing regular breaks when using such machinery is the best way to avoid this condition.
Manual handling
Manual handling is a part of many construction jobs and can result in injury when workers are trying to move heavy or awkward loads by hand. Mechanical aids, safety equipment, and proper manual handling training can significantly reduce those risks.
Collapses
Site clearances and demolition projects often involve structural collapses. When properly planned, these are simply part of the job. Unexpected collapses, on the other hand, can be dangerous. A full inspection should be carried out to ensure unstable structures are properly braced and supported prior to the start of the project.
Asbestos
We have talked at length about the dangers of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials on this site before. If you are aware of the presence of asbestos on any construction or demolition job, you must see that it is properly surveyed, managed, and disposed of for the safety of your team.
Asbestos Survey
If you purchase or rent a building in the UK, the current owner is obliged to inform you if asbestos-containing materials were used in its construction. Once you take up residence on the property, it is your responsibility to determine the type of asbestos present in the building and the condition it is in. The quickest and most effective way to do so is to conduct an asbestos survey. This gives you a detailed report on all ACMs on the premises as well as guidance on any repair work or containment measures needed to protect your staff.
Electricity
With the large number of power tools and other electrical equipment commonly in use on UK construction sites, electrical hazards are a common risk. Staff must ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and regularly inspected and that all workers receive electrical safety training.
Airborne dust
Airborne dust occurs frequently during the building process, whether from excavating, drilling, sawing, or demolition work. You can reduce the risk of respiratory injury by investing in ventilation and dust extraction systems or by giving your team adequate personal protection for their mouth, nose, and eyes.
Get in touch
To determine the unique risks at your own construction site, get in touch with Dromore Safety Services Ltd to arrange a risk assessment. Call us on 07717 210 323 to see what we can do for you.
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