Table of Contents
The construction industry stands at the top of having more accidents and fatalities than any other industry. The number of minor accidents that happen in the construction industry daily is almost incalculable. To explain the severity of the situation, we can say that construction sites are not safe for workers’ health and safety. Every hazard that you can imagine exists at the construction site because of the working environment’s ever-changing nature. The only way to eradicate these hazards is by educating the employees of their responsibility and teaching them precautionary measures. In case of an emergency, site managers should have proper plans to limit the damage to a minimum and provide immediate care to the injured. For this reason, the site manager and construction supervisors must know possible hazards and factors that threaten the safety of their workers. Some of them are:
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Asbestos exposure
Construction workers are vulnerable to asbestos exposure at the working site. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally. It is widely used in construction and its materials because it is heat, erosion, and electricity resistant. This fibrous mineral is usually found in paint, roof shingle, masonry compound, drywall, spackling, etc.
Asbestos exposure can cause many diseases, at the top of which mesothelioma cancer. Apart from mesothelioma, asbestos causes lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer.
Construction workers should be aware of the fibrous mineral, where it gets found, and its causes to stay safe from asbestos exposure. Apart from that, construction workers can take preventive measures such as wearing filter respirators during the demolition work to keep safe from asbestos exposure. Visit this site and learn more about cancer caused by asbestos.
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Moving heavy objects
The construction site is like a moving stage, constantly changing and evolving. The construction workers have to move heavy items around the site and on the building to bring this change. As the construction progresses, the hazards increase because of restrictions, workers, and heavy machinery blocking the path. In such uneven paths moving heavy objects manually or through machinery can be difficult and dangerous. There are always some chances that the workers may slip, or the heavy object may fall, injuring the unfortunate soul carrying it standing near it.
To eradicate this problem, they have a designated pathway to move heavy objects from one place to another. In addition, having a designated pathway can reduce the chances of injury in the workers.
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Working at heights
Working at heights is an inevitable feat for every construction worker. But the demolition process is more dangerous than construction, as the workers have to work at height while demolishing the building. If the workers are not careful, they may risk injuries or even fatalities by falling from heights.
The risks involved in working at such heights often increase when the workers don’t have much space to move around. Similarly, if they don’t have proper access to the area they are working on, height hazards increase. To keep the workers safe, site supervisors and trainers can train the site workers about safety precautions. The construction company should also issue safety equipment for workers working at great heights.
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Noise
We may not consider noise to be a health hazard, but the truth is that noise in high decibels is dangerous to health. This factor makes the loud noises at the construction site a severe health hazard. In addition, excessive and repeated noise can become the reason for hearing loss or problems in the workers. In other cases, loud noises cause distractions which can be a significant cause of accidents.
To eradicate this problem, employers should give safety equipment to all construction workers, such as construction hats and noise-canceling headphones. Apart from that, the supervisors and managers should assess the noise conditions and reduce them using advanced techniques and equipment.
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Electrical shock
Many construction site workers get electrocuted during electricity wiring or while using faulty commercial machinery. People who work near powerhouses and cable lines are at an increased risk of getting electrocuted. The main reason is carelessness on behalf of the worker. Apart from that, workers who do not have professional qualifications yet carry out electricity-related work are at a higher risk of getting electrocuted.
To eradicate this problem, you will have to conduct seminars and safety training to inform workers about the dangers of electrical working. You can also give them safety equipment such as safety gloves to save them from getting a massive electric shock in an accident.
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Airborne fibers and materials
Construction sites are home to airborne diseases. The thick dust, toxic material, and fibers can damage the worker’s health by affecting their nose, lungs, and eyes. So it is no wonder that many construction workers suffer from diseases such as asthma and silicosis.
To eradicate this problem, site supervisors and managers should find ways to minimize toxins and dust accumulation in the air. They should also ensure that every worker uses protective gear and air filtration masks all the time.
Conclusion
Construction work is a hub for accidents just waiting to happen. However, advanced protective gear, masks, and new machinery can reduce the chances of accidents. Apart from that, the construction company is responsible for regularly educating its workers about safety hazards and precautions. The construction company should also provide safety equipment to the workers with secure support such as lifts, harnesses, etc., to work safely.
