Top 5 hazards to look out for on construction sites

Working at height

Falls from height are one of the most common causes of fatal injury in the Australian construction industry, according to Safe Work Australia. In Queensland, construction work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres is high risk construction work and needs a safe work method statement.

To prevent risk of falls, any employee expected to work at height should require training on all equipment surfaces and safety procedures beforehand. Due to its risk, working at height should only be done where absolutely necessary. If something can be assembled on ground level and then moved up, that should always be the first resort. All equipment must be regularly checked and maintained and fitted with safety features such as a double guard-rail.

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips, and falls are a common hazard in almost every work environment, although they can be more dangerous on a construction site.

Slips and trips are a common cause of injury on construction sites, and many could be avoided by keeping work areas and access routes clear.

Therefore it is extremely important to manage working areas, and in particular, stairs and narrow paths and use cordless tools wherever possible or run cables at high levels. Clearly sign any slippery surfaces and assure appropriate footwear is worn at all times. Most importantly, all risks should be reported and rectified.

Electric shocks

Electric shock is a serious hazard on construction sites, often from contact with overhead or underground power cables or machinery. Electrical accidents are particularly dangerous when they occur on high work platforms as workers run the risk of falling.

The number one greatest prevention to electrical accidents is to ensure only qualified electricians carry out electrical work. Also, always ensure employees are familiar with where the power lines are and train them on the safe and appropriate distance they must keep from electrical sources.

Moving objects

Overhead lifting equipment, diggers and supply vehicles are at risk of moving around on uneven terrain which can be extremely dangerous to workers.

Reduce risks by avoiding working close to these kinds of objects and ensure workers are wearing their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as high-visibility clothing. Finally, ensure staff are trained to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times.

Collapsing trenches/caught between

One of the biggest dangers on construction sites is the collapsing of trenches with workers caught inside. Trench collapses can kill or seriously injure workers.

To prevent collapsing trenches, ensure that the kind of support used is best suited for the trench. In Queensland, a person conducting a business or undertaking who proposes to excavate a trench at least 1.5 metres deep must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the work area is secured from unauthorised access and that all sides of the trench are adequately supported by shoring, benching or battering (unless a geotechnical engineer advises in writing that the sides are safe from collapse). Work in or near a trench deeper than 1.5 metres is also high risk construction work that needs a safe work method statement. Also, ensure that the trench is regularly inspected before and during work shifts. Finally, ensure all utilities are clearly marked prior to digging and all employees are trained on how to properly protect themselves.

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