Construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Conditions can be intense and heavy machinery naturally leads to an increased risk of serious accidents. But, whilst construction sites can be dangerous places to work, there are several OHS procedures that managers and workers can implement to ensure accidents are avoided or, at the very least, kept to a minimum. 

This article will take you through the top construction site hazards and the simple steps workers can take to make sure they don’t happen.

Top 8 Construction Site Hazards

Hazard #1 - Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was often used in construction due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, the use of asbestos in Australia was forbidden in December 2003 because of the serious health implications associated with its exposure. Although banned, workers can still come across old external cladding, roofs, insulation, pipes and switchboards that use the material. 

Asbestos exposure can cause serious diseases, including cancers, asbestosis (a lung disease) and severe respiratory disease.

Hazard #2 - Slips, Trips and Falls

The nature of construction sites means people often working with heights or in crowded areas. When not properly managed, machinery, tools and uneven flooring can easily lead to slips, trips and falls. With regular and proper workplace safety management, these building site hazards can easily be mitigated.

Hazard #3 - Hazardous Chemicals and Dust

It’s not just asbestos that workers need to be aware of, there are several other chemicals and dusts that can cause harm. Silica, for example, can cause occupational lung disease. Other hazardous materials can cause immediate health concerns such as burns and poisoning and others might cause long-term conditions such as cancer or nerve damage. In other extreme cases, hazardous chemicals can cause fires and explosions.

Hazard #4 - Manual Tasks

Construction work is naturally very manual. Workers often have to push, pull and lift heavy items and are sometimes exposed to vibration which can cause strains and other musculoskeletal issues. Repetitive movements can be another cause of injury for workers which tend to appear later on down the line. More sudden injuries can be muscle tears, broken bones and ligament damage.

Hazard #5 - Noise

According to Safe Work Australia, workers must not be exposed to more than 85 decibels of noise during an 8-hour day or 40-hour week. They must never be exposed to more than 140 decibels. Anything over that can cause serious and immediate hearing loss or tinnitus. It’s essential that workers and occupational managers wear the correct protective gear and that exposure to loud machinery is kept to a minimum.

Hazard #6 - Fatigue

Manual work can very quickly become tiring. This is easily one of the biggest construction site hazards as it can affect all parts of work. It’s easier to miss certain risks, people are less alert to their surroundings, working at heights can be dangerous and potentially fatal accidents could happen when using heavy machinery. Workers must have the breaks they need to ensure they’re working safely.

Hazard #7 - Working Outdoors

Working outdoors can exacerbate already existing problems. Sun exposure can lead to tiredness and dehydration whilst rain and storms can make surfaces more slippery. Furthermore, being outside all day can mean you’re exposed to more air pollution.

Hazard #8 - Mental Health Challenges

Although construction work is very physical, it can also take its toll on one’s mental health. Bullying, loneliness and a lack of support from more senior people can really affect the morale of a team and how it works. It’s one of the key reasons why it’s so important to have a workplace safety culture. Implementing quality safety procedures and risk assessments is essential for construction site safety and showing workers that management cares about their well-being. 

Risk Minimisation Strategies

Even though construction sites can be potentially dangerous places, there are lots of easy and affordable ways to reduce the chances of accidents happening.

Strategy #1 - Continuous Training and Awareness

Doing one health and safety course is not enough. Workers need to complete regular training and refresher courses to remind them of the best practices. Not only do such courses help to ensure everyone in the workplace is on the same page but they also make health and safety a priority. At UniPrint, we offer free online Take 5 Training that businesses can offer to their employees to ensure they’re up to date with the best practices to keep everyone safe when using our easy to implement Take 5 Booklets.

Strategy #2 - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It goes without saying that PPE is a very important part of construction site safety. The right equipment allows workers to safely handle potentially dangerous materials, ensure their hearing and eyesight are protected and reduce the chances of serious injury should an accident occur.

Strategy #3 - Take 5 Safety Books

Take 5 Safety Books are one of the best ways to ensure employees are engaged with health and safety in the workplace. They’re easy to use and can be completed quickly. We can even print the Take 5 Safety Books onto stone paper and in several different languages to make sure they’re durable and all workers are included.

Strategy #4 - Machinery Safety

Machines must be kept up to date and regularly serviced. Some of the most severe accidents in the workplace happen with machines. Take 5 Safety Books and Hazard Report Books encourage workers to identify hazards or when machines are not working, find a solution and monitor them if needed. Simple, preventative steps can help to reduce potentially fatal accidents.

Strategy #5 - Clear Communication

Communication is important in any workplace but especially in a dynamic construction site. Not only does communication need to be clear between managers and workers when it comes to safety expectations but using visuals can also be really helpful. Take 5 Safety Posters are a fantastic way to clearly and effectively draw attention to safety procedures. They can even be customised to be more relevant for workers and the business.

Strategy #6 - Enforcing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

SOPs are step-by-step guidelines compiled by the organisation to ensure basic safety procedures can be carried out quickly and effectively. When clearly communicated with the workers, they’re an excellent way to help identify and report hazards and resolve them swiftly without too much downtime. Workers know what to do in any given situation, which can reduce construction site hazards. 

Strategy #7 - Carrying Out Risk Assessments

It’s always best to prevent an accident from happening. Regular risk assessments are a great way to spot any potential problems or changes in the workplace and prevent them from escalating into something more serious. 

Construction Site Hazards: Can You Make Your Workplace Safer?

With all the machinery, manual work and difficult conditions, construction sites can be dangerous places. There are so many potential hazards that workers and employers need to be mindful of. Luckily, there are simple steps that can be taken to dramatically reduce the chances of construction site hazards turning into serious accidents. Contact the team at UniPrint to enquire about customising your printed safety solutions to make them even more relatable and effective for your workers.