According to International Labour Organization (ILO), there are at least 60,000 fatal accidents on construction sites globally every year. Moreover, one in six fatal accidents on a construction site occurs on a construction site.
Construction accidents don’t only affect the workers; people passing by the construction area can also get hurt. Construction sites are risky, and even innocent bystanders could get injured in different ways.
In this blog, we will explore the most common accidents and injuries that take place on construction sites.
Common Accidents
Following are some accidents that are very common causes of injuries, disabilities, and even fatalities on construction sites:
Overexertion
One of the most common injuries by individuals working at construction sites arises from the physically demanding tasks of the construction field. Such tasks may lead to overexertion.
It can cause the workers to strain their muscles due to lifting heavy objects. To prevent this, providing proper equipment for lifting and moving hefty loads is crucial. All employees should receive training in safe techniques for lifting and handling.
Harm from Temperature Extremes
Construction labourers frequently work extended hours regardless of weather conditions, exposing them to extreme cold and heat. Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of heat stroke. And during colder months, like winter, tree professionals are vulnerable to cold stress, making it crucial for them to take adequate precautions to protect themselves from the biting cold.
During periods of high temperatures, it’s advisable for workers to seek shaded work areas. If exposed tasks are unavoidable, they should be limited in duration, and employees should rotate tasks to minimise risks.
Slipping and Falling
The construction industry accounts for 43% of fatalities resulting from slips, trips, and falls. Since this is a common issue on construction sites, it’s vital for everyone to prevent such incidents proactively.
Construction companies can reduce slip and trip risks by maintaining clear pathways and supplying employees with suitable work boots. Workers can decrease their likelihood of slipping or tripping by wearing fitting footwear and quickly addressing or reporting spills and potential trip dangers. If you suffered from a personal injury in your workplace, then you need to contact a slip & fall attorney immediately especially if it was caused by negligence of the business owner.
Objects Dropped from Heights
The risk of objects or debris falling is significant in construction sites with multiple levels or when scaffolding is in use. Common items that may fall from a height include tools and construction materials.
While it’s challenging to entirely prevent objects from falling, there are steps to minimise potential harm. Clearing the space beneath ladders and scaffolding and displaying caution signs can prevent individuals from walking or working beneath high-risk zones.
Furthermore, employers should supply and enforce the use of hard hats for added safety. Employees should consistently wear these protective headgear.
Getting Squashed Between Items
Numerous hazardous items, like machinery, construction materials, or tools, have the potential to cause workers to be squashed.
About 5% of workplace fatalities result from being crushed between objects. Employers should recognise these hazards and routinely evaluate risks on their construction sites.
Moreover, comprehensive training and proper safety gear should be implemented for employees. Construction workers can reduce the chance of such accidents by consistently wearing protective attire and following health and safety protocols.
Electrical Accidents
Construction sites may have open wiring and power lines. Electrical cables are present when constructing buildings, making electrocution a prevalent risk. Touching live electrical cables can lead to severe burns, shock, or even loss of life.
Construction firms must ensure that no live wires are left unattended to reduce the chance of electrocution. Only qualified personnel should handle electrical installations.
It’s crucial to provide comprehensive training to all workers about the risks associated with electricity at construction sites.
Accidents Involving Machinery
Heavy machinery is essential at construction sites which can lead to accidents. These machines may range from jackhammers to bulldozers. These mishaps can result in injuries such as cuts, fractures, paralysis, or even fatalities.
Proper management of construction site machinery is crucial. Only trained individuals with proper licenses should operate the machinery. Additionally, regular safety checks must be conducted on all equipment and machinery to ensure their suitability for use.
Collapsing Trenches
Construction sites frequently require trenches, especially for foundation work. In more extensive projects, these channels can be quite deep.
A trench collapse while a worker is inside can harm the worker as objects or tools can cause injury, or the person can trap beneath the soil.
While safety precautions aim to prevent trench cave-ins, it’s essential to enforce the use of protective gear, including helmets, at all times.
Falls from Elevated Heights
Accidents on construction sites can have grave consequences, particularly falls from elevated positions. More than half of all fatalities from falls occur within the construction industry.
Construction workers often perform tasks at considerable heights, such as on scaffolding or ladders. Employers have measures to prevent falls, such as regular safety assessments of scaffolding and ladders.
Installing handrails on all elevated structures and providing safety harnesses can offer additional protection. Protective gear like helmets is crucial to mitigate severe injuries in case of a fall.
Accidents Involving Vehicles
Construction sites feature various vehicles like vans, steamrollers, bulldozers, cranes, and trucks, posing risks of collisions. Due to the absence of defined road layouts, adhering to traffic rules can be challenging.
Thorough risk assessments should evaluate all site-accessible vehicles, requiring registered and qualified drivers. Ongoing training and specific on-site driving protocols are essential.
Vehicles must have warning devices like horns, sirens, and hazard lights. Signs warning of construction vehicle crossings should be posted for employees and visitors.
Fire and Explosion Hazards
Potential fire or explosion sources on construction sites include exposed wiring, leaking pipes, and gases. A simple spark in the wrong place could lead to severe harm or fatalities among employees or visitors.
Frequent risk assessments and continuous vigilance are crucial. Gas and electrical systems should be switched off when unattended. Comprehensive safety training must educate employees about fire and explosion risks and how to protect themselves in such situations.
To prevent these accidents, precautionary measures are important. Furthermore, accident investigation training may also help find out the root cause of the incident and prevent future accidents.
Common Injuries
Following are some injuries that construction workers are at risk of:
Broken Bones
Due to the physical nature of the work, construction workers are at a high risk of fractures due to falls and other on-the-job accidents. These accidents leading to fractures result in significant pain and temporary disability, which affect work and personal life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Workers in the construction sector experience high rates of traumatic spinal injuries. These injuries pose serious consequences, leading to paralysis or limited mobility. It leads to a significant burden of cost and disability.
Back Injuries
Lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, repetitive tasks, digging, shovelling, and whole-body vibration may cause back injuries. These injuries occur when back muscles are strained or sprained or when nerves or bones in the back are injured. Back injuries can cause long-lasting pain affecting the worker’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks.
Brain Injuries
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention report that the construction sector is among the most vulnerable industries to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs are disruptions in brain function, usually resulting from head impacts or penetration. Tasks such as elevated work, crane proximity, and exposure to airborne debris increase the risk of brain injuries, varying in severity from mild to fatal outcomes.
Burns
Burns injuries are common in the construction industry. According to Occupational Safety and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 66 construction workers die yearly in construction estimating services nyc site accidents involving fires or explosions.
Construction workers use machines, which expose them to different hazards, putting them at a higher risk for burn injuries. It includes chemical burns, electrical burns, and thermal burns.
The most common type of burn injuries for construction workers are thermal injuries from scalding pipes and extremely hot water, steam, and other types of heat-producing machinery and equipment. The following are examples of accidents that can also cause serious, life-threatening burn injuries:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are common in construction, even after using hard hats. Construction workers are at risk for severe head injuries such as a concussion when the brain violently shakes inside the skull, a haemorrhage when a forceful impact to the head causes the tissues of the brain to tear, and penetrating head wounds.
Eye Injuries and Vision Damage
Construction sites expose workers to flying debris, dust, chemicals, and bright lights, increasing the risk of eye injuries. These injuries can cause temporary or permanent vision impairment, affecting work and daily life activities.
Loss of Limbs
Heavy machinery accidents or getting caught in equipment can lead to the traumatic loss of limbs. Losing a limb has profound physical and psychological effects, requiring specialised medical care, prosthetics, and extensive rehabilitation.
Illnesses Due to Chemical Exposure
Exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials can affect construction workers, resulting in respiratory issues, skin conditions, or enduring illnesses such as occupational cancers. To avert chemical-related illnesses, it is crucial to implement proper safety measures, which encompass the use of protective gear and ventilation.
Prevention
Accidents are uncalled for and can occur anytime and at anyplace. However, as an occupational worker, who is exposed to various hazards and dangers, it is your legal responsibility to take appropriate measures to prevent yourself from harm. There are certain measures that you can take, however, the most efficient measure when it comes to health and safety is to undergo educational programs like accident prevention training to learn on the hazards and dangers associated with your occupation and how you can prevent yourself from such danger. Other than learning, prioritizing safety equipment such as personal protective equipment is also a compulsory measure to ensure your safety while at work.
Conclusion
Construction sites are dangerous, and it is important for proper safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. These incidents cause pain, suffering, disabilities, and even death, making preventing these accidents crucial. Construction site accidents not just put workers at risk but also other people who are present on or near the site. Proper training and safety measures can significantly reduce these incidents and save thousands of lives.
