Big Four Construction Hazards

Worldwide, construction health and safety (H&S) constitutes a challenge due to fatalities, injuries, and disease. Historically construction was perceived to be inherently dangerous and accidents were perceived to be ‘part of the job’. 

Construction sites are becoming more challenging due to the dynamics of projects, schedules, owner’s requirements and the increased employment of low-skilled employees.

Those who work on construction sites are often required to use large tools and machinery, work at heights, and in environments where hazardous materials are present. Due to the nature of such work, working on construction sites can be dangerous.

This article aims to shed light on the “Big Four Construction Hazards” that pose significant risks to the health and safety of construction workers. Each of these hazards, definitions, examples and preventive measures will be explained further in this article.

Understanding Construction Hazards

Health and Safety in the construction industry is of paramount importance. It is not just about building structures but ensuring that the lives of the people involved are safeguarded. Understanding construction hazards is the first step towards achieving this goal.

Construction hazards are largely dependent on the type of construction work that is being carried out, for example, working on scaffolding presents entirely different hazards in comparison to working with asbestos.

The Big Four Construction Hazards

1. Fall Hazards

The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) publishes statistics every quarter that details the most common causes of ill health and accidents – both fatal and non-fatal – to workers in the South African construction industry who are insured by FEM. Each year, fall hazards is ranked as the third-highest number of fatalities. This makes working at heights the most common cause of fatal injuries to workers.

This hazard includes situations where workers can fall from elevated platforms, ladders, roofs, or scaffolding. Examples of fall hazards are by not limited to, unsecured edges, missing guardrails and unstable working surfaces.

To mitigate fall hazards, employers should implement safety measures such as guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, safety nets and regular equipment inspections. These mitigated factors should be addressed in the site fall protection plan detailing what the fall risk positions are on site and how to prevent these incidents. 

2. Struck-By Hazards

This hazard is ranked as the second-highest number of fatalities. Struck-by incidents involving an object forcibly impacting a person are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the construction industry. 

Hazard Recognition

• Struck-by falling objects.
• Struck-by flying objects.
• Struck-by swinging/slipping objects.
• Struck-by objects on ground level.

Struck-by hazards occur when construction workers are hit by objects, machinery, or equipment. These accidents can result from flying debris, swinging cranes, or vehicles on the construction site. Vigilance and awareness are crucial in preventing struck-by incidents.

Accident Prevention

• Personal protective equipment
• Material storage
• Proper materials handling
• Work zone safety

Safety measures include wearing high-visibility clothing, maintaining clear communication and establishing no-entry zones around operating heavy machinery.

3. Caught-In or Between Hazards

Caught-in or between hazards are defined as injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects, or between parts of an object. This includes individuals who get caught or crushed in operating equipment, between other mashing objects, between a moving and stationary object, or between two or more moving objects.

The key factor in deciding between a Caught event and a Struck event is whether the impact of the object alone caused the injury. When the impact alone creates the injury, the event should be recorded as Struck. When the injury is created more as a result of crushing injuries between objects, the event should be recorded as Caught.

Events that should be classified as Caught include:

• Cave-ins (trenching and/or excavations)
• Being pulled into or caught in machinery and equipment (this includes strangulation as the result of clothing caught in running machinery and equipment)
• Being compressed or crushed between rolling, sliding, or shifting objects such as semi-trailers and a dock wall, or between a truck frame and a hydraulic bed that is lowering.
  

Awareness and following safety guidelines are essential in preventing these hazards. Preventive measures include using trench protective systems, ensuring equipment safety features are functional, and following confined space protocols.

4. Electrocution Hazards

Electrocution hazards are prevalent in construction, especially when workers come into contact with live wires or electrical equipment. Electrocution can have severe consequences, including fatal injuries. Prevention includes proper electrical safety training, identifying electrical hazards, and implementing lockout/tagout procedures.

Importance of Safety Training

Proper safety training is key to preventing these hazards. Construction workers should be educated about the potential dangers they might face and how to mitigate them. Employers should provide regular safety training to ensure everyone on the site is well-prepared to deal with hazardous situations.

The role of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in construction safety. Workers should be equipped with helmets, gloves, high-visibility vests and other necessary protective gear. Using the right PPE can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Regulations and Standards

In the South African context, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations ensure construction sites are safe environments. Compliance with these standards is mandatory to prevent accidents and protect workers.

Promoting a Safe Construction Environment

Creating a culture of safety is essential in the construction industry. Encouraging workers to report unsafe conditions, conducting regular safety inspections, and addressing safety concerns promptly can lead to a safer work environment.

Conclusion

The “Big Four Construction Hazards” are ever-present risks in the construction industry. Understanding these hazards and taking preventive measures is essential to protect the lives of construction workers. By prioritizing safety training, personal protective equipment and regulatory compliance, the construction industry can significantly reduce the occurrence of accidents and ensure a safer workplace.

Neil Enslin
Head: Occupational Health and Safety