Top Four Construction Hazards

You’re good at your job and you love what you do. However, every time you come to work, you risk suffering an injury. The construction site is one of the most hazardous workplaces, and many of the injuries that occur there are caused by these top four hazards: falls, struck-by, caught-in/between and electrocutions.

When you have sufficient knowledge, preventing accidents caused by these hazards is easier than you might think. Here are some basic safety tips to keep you injury-free.

Preventing Falls

• Wear and use fall arrest equipment.
• Install and maintain perimeter protection.
• Cover and secure all floor openings and label floor opening covers.
• Use ladders and scaffolds safely.

Preventing Struck-bys

• Never position yourself between moving and fixed objects.
• Wear high-visibility clothes near equipment and vehicles so that others can see you clearly.

Preventing Caught-in-between Hazards

• Never enter an unprotected trench or excavation that is five feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in place. (Note: some trenches that are less than five feet may need a similar system as well.)
• Make sure that a trench or excavation is protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or a trench shield system.

Preventing Electrocutions

• Locate and identify utilities before starting work for the day.
• Look for overhead power lines when operating any equipment.
• Maintain a safe distance away from power lines and learn your area’s distance requirements.
• Do not operate portable electric tools unless they are grounded or double-insulated.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters for protection.

The List Goes On
Though these top four hazards are the most common on construction sites, you are exposed to many more dangers on a daily basis. To remain safe, be an active participant in all safety initiatives and trainings at and keep safety at the top of your mind every day. Be alert to electrical hazards when working with ladders, scaffolds or other platforms.

Read more construction safety and risk management tips here in this month's Toolbox Talk.