10 Common Construction Hazards and How to Prevent Them

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs around. That’s why they must have the right construction outfits and training to get their job done safely and efficiently.

 

Ten of the most common construction hazards are:

  1. Pain from repetitive tasks
  2. Slips and falls
  3. Falling from heights
  4. Noise causing hearing damage
  5. Exposure to toxic materials
  6. Asbestos
  7. Heavy-powered equipment and machinery
  8. Confined spaces
  9. Extreme weather temperatures
  10. Electricity

 

In this article, we’ll look at each of these construction hazards and advise on how to avoid them.

 

Top 10 common construction hazards and how to prevent them

1. Pain from repetitive tasks

First on our list of construction hazards is developing pain from repetitive tasks. This hazard is especially dangerous as it doesn’t seem like a hazard at all. Performing repetitive tasks is bad for our bodies and can lead to long-term damage.

 

Repetitive motions can damage our muscles and joints over time. Because this damage is gradual, it can take a while before you notice it’s happened. Unfortunately, irreparable damage may already have occurred by the time you notice the pain.

 

To prevent this, try doing different tasks throughout your work shift. Focus only a little on one task that requires repetitive motion. If a task requires a long time, try to switch with someone occasionally to give your body a break.

 

2. Slips and falls

Slips and falls are another construction hazard that occurs very often. Many obstacles on a job site make it easy to trip and fall if proper occupational safety precautions aren’t taken or if the person walking isn’t careful. Slips can also occur when a substance is spilled and not dealt with immediately.

 

To avoid slips and falls, follow the guidelines set out by your employer, your state, and OSHA. When a tripping and slipping hazard appears, draw attention to it immediately to ensure workplace safety.

 

3. Falling from heights

Working from heights is a common part of a construction worker’s job. However, it is also one of the most dangerous parts of the job, as slips from certain heights can cause extreme injury or even death.

 

Having the proper gear when working from heights is important, including adequate fall protection, like scaffolding and harnesses. Training is also a major part of working from heights; only those with the proper training should do so. Every state also has laws regarding working from heights, so it’s important to consult those to comply with your state.

 

An engineer watches a team of workers on scaffolding high above the ground

 

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4. Noise causing hearing damage

Construction sites can be very loud, so hearing damage can occur. This is especially true for repetitive noise. Exposure to constant daily noise can cause hearing damage in as little as one week.

 

It’s essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment or PPE, including earplugs and earmuffs, to avoid severe and long-term hearing damage.

 

Construction worker wearing ear protection at work

 

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5. Exposure to toxic materials

Construction workers are often exposed to toxic materials, making it one of the most common construction hazards. Prolonged exposure to such materials can be detrimental to a worker’s health and even contribute to the development of illnesses such as cancer.

 

When working with toxic materials such as paint, using the right respiratory gear is essential to avoid inhaling the fumes. Use a respiratory mask with a filter to ensure that you breathe in minimal fumes and can continue properly completing the job.

 

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6. Asbestos

Asbestos is toxic airborne debris, a common hazard on construction sites. It is a considerable risk that can lead to lung disease and other illnesses if inhaled or ingested.

 

Asbestos is released into the air most commonly during demolition because it is often used in older materials. To avoid inhaling asbestos, you should always wear a respiratory mask when performing demolition.

 

7. Heavy-powered equipment and machinery

Construction workers use heavy machinery every day. From power tools to bulldozers, the risk of an accident is very high if proper safety precautions aren’t in place. PPE, such as steel-toed boots and hard hats, are an excellent way to protect yourself while operating heavy machinery.

 

While having the proper safety gear when operating heavy equipment is important, providing adequate employee training is the best way to avoid injury from operating heavy machinery. Knowing how to operate equipment safely is key to preventing injury.

 

Mechanic repairing a bulldozer on a construction site wearing ear protection

8. Confined spaces

There are times when construction workers are forced to work in confined spaces to complete a job. Confined spaces are often tight and have limited means of entry or exit, making them challenging to work in. Depending on your state, there may be restrictions on working in confined spaces.

 

OSHA has several criteria to define a confined space and what can and can’t be done in one. Following these rules before working in a confined space is essential to ensure safety.

 

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9. Extreme weather temperatures

One of the most common hazards for construction workers is the weather. There are many dangers to working in extreme weather, whether extreme heat or extreme cold. Construction workers are at risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and exhaustion in extreme heat. In extreme cold, they must be careful of frostbite and possibly ice, depending on the weather.

 

You need the right gear to work in each condition. Lighter fabrics should be used in the summer, and layers should be used in the winter. However, many states determine when it is too hot or cold for outdoor work. Make sure you check your state’s laws to know when this is.

 

Two construction workers on a snowy worksite

 

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10. Electricity

The last construction safety hazard on our list is electricity. Not every construction worker regularly works with electricity, but when they do, they face the risk of arc flashes and getting shocked. This can lead to serious or fatal injuries.

 

When working with electricity, you must protect your hands and face, including gloves and face shields. You should also wear arc flash and flame-resistant clothing to protect your entire body. Even a small spark can be dangerous while on the job.

 

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Recap: Avoiding Construction Hazards

To recap, there are several types of construction hazards to avoid. Knowing what those hazards are is the first step to ensuring your safety and the safety of your employees. When everyone feels safe, efficiency and productivity go up. It may feel overwhelming, but avoiding these hazards becomes routine with the proper gear and training.

 

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