Many industries bring risks and hazards to health - however some jobs involve a higher degree of on-site risk and potential long-term health implications. The Construction industry is one example that is currently topping the list as Britain’s most dangerous work sector.
Around 75% of work-related injuries relate to falls, slips/trips, and injuries that occur due to lifting heavy loads. Construction workers may also succumb to injuries such as back strain, hearing impairment, nerve damage and breathing difficulties such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from inhaling dust and chemicals.
Improvements in PPE equipment, construction safety signage, processes and risk awareness can help mitigate risks, which can be broken down into the following groups;
The Main Risks Identified
There are many occupational hazards in construction such as:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Moving objects
- Material and manual handling
- Working at height
- Collapsing trenches
Other risks identified from substances, sound and movement
- Noise
- Use of vibrating tools
- Asbestos
- Airborne fibres and materials
- Electricity
Slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips and falls make up a significant number of construction site injuries. It’s maybe not possible to make the site risk-free, but keeping the walkways free from objects and using tape to bring attention to changes in height can make a difference.. Ensure that workers are not dumping clutter and that the site is as free from obstacles as possible.
Make sure power cables are not trailing, and if substances are slippy, ensure you use trip signs to indicate the hazard. Try to create safe walkways, highlight anything which may protude or cause trips, and when wet or icy use grit or other measures to reduce slipping.
Material and manual handling
Lifting and carrying materials can be a main hazard on the construction site.
Injuries can occur from:
- Lifting loads that are too heavy
- Lifting heavy loads regularly
- Twisting
- Sitting or standing awkwardly
- Working in cramped environments
- Reaching and stretching too far
- Working on unstable and uneven floors
With such a strain on the human body for extended hours, it’s important that all construction staff are trained in using lifting equipment where appropriate and by following guidelines how to lift items putting as little strain on the back as possible.
Moving objects
The construction site is constantly changing, and being hit by a moving object such as a digger or something falling or being thrown from a floor above is a constant hazard. To avoid this, construction workers should be trained to avoid vehicle routes and machinery and use correct construction warning signage to help remind of such dangers..
At an absolute minimum, no one should be on a construction site without wearing high visibility clothing and hard hats.
Working at height
While working on the ground carries its fair share of risks, tripping and falling over is far less dangerous than falling from a height. Falling from a height has a serious risk of death, and the Work At Height Regulation 2005’s purpose is to reduce such risk.
By law, as an employer, you must make sure you only work at height when there is no other alternative. You should also make certain workers can get to the place of height safely and that all the equipment is safe and strong enough for the job. It’s also essential to make sure that equipment is checked regularly.
In addition, care should be taken when working on fragile surfaces where a worker might fall through and that anyone working at height understands the emergency evacuation and rescue procedures.
Workers should begin training to work at height on the job with other experienced staff and for periods no longer than 30 minutes initially. Make sure there are signs to remind workers to wear safety harnesses.
Collapsing trenches
When you hear about incidents where there are several fatalities, it’s often due to collapsing trenches that have been dug during construction. Extensive planning is required when trenches are being dug, with skilled professionals using joists and other measures to support the walls. No shift should begin without an expert inspecting the trench each day.
Noise
A construction site is a noisy place. Any noise above 85 decibels is considered sufficient to cause damage, but most power tools are much noisier than this. That’s okay if it’s an occasional bit of DIY, but not if it’s your day job. All workers should know not to operate noisy tools and machinery without using ear protectors to reduce the risk of tinnitus and deafness.
You can remind workers of noisy areas and equipment by using the correct ear protection signage.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome
One of the main tasks you’ll see on construction sites is work completed using machinery. Whether it’s groundwork, carpentry or joinery, issues can arise when using vibrating tools. While they make work more efficiently, holding a piece of machinery that vibrates so fast is not without risks. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Raynauds, and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) can all result from vibrating chainsaws, chippers, sanders, grinders, drills, and similar tools.
The damage to nerves and blood vessels can have serious issues for sufferers, including pain, numbness and loss of mobility and dexterity. To keep workers safe, the HSE sets out an exposure limit value (ELV) of 5 m/s² that limits the daily amount of vibration a worker can be exposed to. The amount is calculated by the force of the vibration and the grip.
Asbestos
As of 2000, asbestos use has been banned in the UK. But, any work that requires the demolition or renovation of property built before then still means that workers could come in contact with the substance. Poisoning from asbestos still kills around 5,000 people each year with symptoms occurring around 20-30 years after exposure.
If there is asbestos on a construction site, you must call in trained experts to remove it. In addition, it’s your duty to inform all workers where there is asbestos on the site by using Asbestos safety signage. You can read more about asbestos in our "What is Asbestos" article.
Airborne fibres and materials
While many know of the dangers of asbestos, simple dust from bricks, rocks, stones, and clay is also a hazard. Prolonged exposure can lead to asthma, COPD, and silicosis . Conditions like this may develop into other fatal illnesses, including tuberculosis, heart failure and lung cancer. It’s, therefore, vital to protect workers with masks—and signs to warn workers in which areas they must wear dust masks for their safety.
Dust can also get into the eyes, so ensure the working environment has adequate eye protection signage and PPE equipment.
Electricity
Electricity is something used throughout most construction sites in some form. It poses a serious threat to construction workers and is essential that all electricians on site are qualified, and workers do not try to attempt short-cut repair jobs themselves. Risks are present from cables underground, overhead and inside the building or on the construction site. Electricians need to work carefully with site managers and architects. Using the appropriate Electrical Safety Signs is vital to help protect against electrical dangers.
