Hazards To Avoid on Construction Sites

From the get-go of a construction project, safety should always be at the forefront. While some risks are more apparent than others, you need to remain vigilant and consider all potential hazards that may arise onsite.

This blog post will dive into some of the most common safety hazards on construction sites and the measures you can take to protect yourself.

Slips and Falls 

Slips and falls often occur on construction sites due to several factors. For starters, workers often operate at great heights, which increases their risk of a slip or fall. The workers could lose their footing or misjudge a step at these high altitudes. Such a simple misstep could easily result in serious injury or death.

In addition, the terrain of most construction sites is often uneven and cluttered with materials like wood, nails, and tools. When such items lie around the construction site, they create a trip hazard that could lead to a slip or fall. Since these hazards sometimes blend in with the site's terrain, you might not notice them fast enough to prevent an accident.

Wear protective gear like steel-toe boots, hard hats, and goggles to mitigate the risk of slips and falls. Make sure to also use caution on any ladders or scaffolding that are in place and always remain aware of your surroundings while you work.

Electric Hazards 

The use of electricity on construction sites can present a high risk of injury. Oftentimes, workers use electric tools such as drills and saws that have exposed wires or cords. If you use such tools in a wet environment, they can suddenly become energized and cause an electric shock.

Even the slightest shock can cause serious injuries such as burns, heart problems, and tissue damage. In severe cases, an electric shock can even lead to death.

Additionally, electric tools may have defects that cause sparks or fires. This problem could occur due to a faulty switch, frayed wires, or loose parts. If such a spark ignites an explosive material, all workers onsite could be at risk of serious injury.

Always inspect the tools before you use them to protect yourself from such electric hazards. Look for frayed wires and other visible defects that could indicate potential risks. Also, always use the tools in a dry environment and be aware of any flammable materials around the area.

Collapse of Structures or Machines

Workers on construction sites are also at risk of injury due to the collapse of structures or machinery. The structure of a building is only as strong as its foundation, and sometimes the foundation can become weak or unstable due to changes in the environment.

For example, if there is a lot of heavy rain over an extended period, the soil could become saturated and cause the foundation to become unstable. In this case, the entire building could collapse without warning and cause serious injury.

Similarly, large machinery can also collapse if not properly maintained or used. If a machine bears more weight than the specifications allow, the machine could easily collapse and injure the workers in its vicinity. The risk of such an accident is particularly high during a heavy-duty task such as excavation since the machine is often under a lot of stress.

To reduce the risk of a structural collapse, you should inspect the machinery and structures before use. Be aware of the load limit for any machinery you use, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, always inspect the foundation of any structure and pay close attention to any signs of instability. Look for cracks in walls or floors, and alert your supervisor if you spot any potential risks. 

At Jarve Granato Starr LLC, we know how dangerous a construction site can be and strive to ensure the safety of all workers. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here to provide professional legal advice and help in the case of an accident. Reach out to us today if you need legal assistance.