Is The Construction Industry A Dangerous Place to Work?
Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Every year, thousands of construction workers are seriously injured or killed in accidents. With the construction industry being such a dangerous place, it’s important to be aware of the accidents which are most likely to happen, so you can help to prevent them. From training to putting safety measures in place, there are a number of things you can do to help make your construction site a much safer place to work. Keep reading below to find out more about some of the accidents which are most likely to happen on a construction site and what you can do to prevent them.
What Accidents Are Most Likely To Happen On A Construction Site?
Construction accidents happen every day. No matter how big or small the construction project is, there is always the potential for an accident to occur. There are a variety of different accidents that can occur on a construction site, but some are more common than others. Here are four of the most common construction accidents and how you can help to prevent them.
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- 1. Falls – Falls are the leading cause of construction site accidents, accounting for nearly 40% of all fatalities. Falls can occur from a variety of heights, including scaffolding, ladders, and roofs. To help prevent falls, always use proper safety equipment when working at heights. This includes using a harness and attaching it to a secure structure. You should also avoid working in wet or icy conditions, as this can increase the risk of falling.
- 2. Being Struck By An Object – Being struck by an object is the second leading cause of construction site accidents, accounting for nearly 10% of all fatalities. Objects can be anything from tools and equipment to debris and falling objects. To help prevent being struck by an object, always be aware of your surroundings. Wear protective gear when working in areas where there is a potential for objects to fall. And never stand directly beneath a scaffold or other structure where objects might fall.
- 3. Electrocution – Electrocution is the third leading cause of construction site accidents, accounting for nearly 8% of all fatalities. Electrocution can occur when workers come into contact with power lines or electrical equipment.
- 4. Fires and Explosions – There is also a risk of fire and explosion on construction sites. This can happen when flammable materials are used or when welding and other hot work is being done. To prevent these accidents, workers should be properly trained in fire safety and hot work procedures.
- 5. Respiratory Problems – Finally, another common construction site accident is respiratory illness. This can happen when someone is exposed to dust, chemicals, or other harmful substances. To avoid respiratory illness, be sure to always wear proper safety equipment when working with hazardous materials.