Construction Site Injuries: Causes, Prevention, and Safety Measures
Although safety is always something that is a high priority on sites, other things such as deadlines and weather can start to get in the way, and standards can start to fall.
Construction sites are full of hazards wherever you look. Although safety is always something that is a high priority on sites, other things such as deadlines and weather can start to get in the way, and standards can start to fall. From heights, moving trucks and moving objects, each construction site has its own array of hazards which can cause injury and, in worse situations, death.
Preventing incidents like this from happening could be a top priority for all construction sites and can be completed by implementing proper controls and management through the use of personal safety equipment, robust site housekeeping and routine safety training.
So, if you want to start preventing construction site injuries through identifying causes, implementing prevention techniques and safety measures, here are ways that you can start to make your construction site safe.
Common causes of injuries
Falls from heights- When working on tall buildings and scaffolding all day, it's common that may injuries stem from falls. Unsecured scaffolding, ladder failures and unprotected roof edges are all common causes of falls and are measures which can be controlled through safety procedures and the use of safety equipment, which can be a lifesaver if a fall does occur.
Struck by accidents- With so many tools, vehicles and temporary walls being erected and used around a construction site, falling tools, collapsing walls and moving vehicles often cause accidents which can be fatal. This is why being cautious and wearing the correct safety clothing at all times is essential to protect employees and the company, as sites can be liable for any multiple injury claims made.
Overexertion- Repetitive heavy lifting and poor posture when lifting heavy material can be a common occurrence on construction sites. Many times, poor handling can lead to back injuries, which can be severe and even lead to employees having to permanently leave the job. This is where proper training comes in to protect employees.
Prevention and safety measures
Fall protection- Installing fall protection measures such as secure guard rails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems stops workers from hitting the ground from small and large heights, which can often be fatal.
Site housekeeping- Clearing all walkways of any debris, loose cables, as well as stacking materials, makes sure that there are no tripping hazards, which can be the cause of many injuries, and can be a simple but effective preventive measure.
Personal protective gear- Like with many other jobs, personal protective gear can be a fail-safe if all other types of safety measures fail. Equipment such as hard hats, high-visibility clothing, and safety equipment should be worn at all times whilst also following other rules to ensure safety at all times. It’s important to make sure that all equipment is up to date and tested, as well as that faulty equipment can not protect as it should.
Safety education- Ensuring that you are frequently revisiting site rules and regulations, and conducting training is an easy way to ensure everyone on the site is being safe. This includes regular toolbox talks, hazard recognition programmes and structured safety audits that are ingrained into company culture and followed by everyone on the building site.
Final thoughts
Safety is not an option on building and construction sites. It should be ingrained into everything you do, whether that's clothing, what the site looks like, and rules that are followed around the site. So, if you want to make your construction site safe to prevent injuries and to enhance safety, follow these prevention and safety measures and keep your workforce safe.