What Are The Most Common Types Of Accidents On Construction Sites?
Falling from height
This could occur by falling off scaffolding, roofs or unsecured ladders, often causing serious injuries such as fractures, spinal and brain injuries, and even fatal injuries.
Your employer should install fall protection systems to reduce the risks of fall accidents. This will include guard rails, screens, canopy structures or nets, safety harnesses, fall arresters and ropes.
Being struck by falling objects
This includes being struck by falling tools and any other building materials.
Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious head and brain injuries and crush injuries.
Your employer should ensure there are adequate warning signs in places where object may fall and provide you with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) such as a hard hat.
Slips, trips and falls
These are often caused by tripping over scattered tools, loose cables and other debris and materials, uneven surfaces and falling into holes in the ground.
These types of accidents can be avoided by ensuring that pathways are kept clear of any obstructions, that any spillages are cleared up immediately, any objects which are causing a trip hazard are moved and that there is adequate lighting in and around your working area.
Using defective machinery and equipment
Employers should ensure they regularly maintain and repair all equipment and machinery and that they always remain in good working order.
Comprehensive training must be provided to all employees on how to correctly and safely use machinery as well as providing them with appropriate and adequate PPE.
Being exposed to excessive vibration, excessive noise and hazardous substances
Regular and prolonged exposure to vibration tools could result in serious effects on health including nerve and tendon damage to hands and arms, otherwise known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Working in extremely noisy environments could cause hearing problems such as tinnitus and hearing loss. Employers should ensure that they monitor and where possible reduce noise levels and the time the employee is exposed to excessive noise as well as to provide correct PPE such as ear defenders.
Chemicals are frequently used in the construction industry, and being exposed to them can cause serious consequences to your health and life. The dangers usually come from inhalation or swallowing of chemicals and from chemical exposure to skin and eyes.
Some of the important steps your employer should do to keep you safe at work include:
1) Enforcing health and safety regulations and providing safety training to all employees. The training must be appropriate, thorough and provided regularly.
2) Providing correct and sufficient PPE and educating all team members on the risks and proper use of equipment. PPE on a construction site will often include hard hats, safety boots, Hi Vis clothing, gloves, safety goggles and ear defenders.
3) Conducting thorough and appropriate risk assessments of the building site and of the specific work being done.
4) Maintaining equipment and machinery efficiently and in good working order at all times.
5) Ensuring scaffolding and ladders are erected safely and maintained in an efficient state.
What Should I Do If I Have An Accident At Work?
1) Seek immediate medical attention from a first aider followed by a visit to the hospital or your GP.
2) Report the accident to your employer and ensure an accident report is completed.
3) Take photographs of the accident site and your injuries.
4) Obtain contact details of any witnesses.
5) If you believe the accident and the injuries you suffered were caused by someone else’s negligent behaviour, speak to a solicitor who will advise you whether you may have a personal injury claim.
Next Steps...
If you require any further information regarding accidents on construction sites, please contact the Personal Injury team on freephone 0800 011 6666. Alternatively, you can visit the Personal Injury page on our website.
