Safety culture and talk are aspects of the construction industry that still fly under the radar, putting many workers at a higher risk of injury on their sites. Whether it’s a seasoned professional or a new one on the field, understanding workplace hazards is vital for their well-being and productivity. By implementing strict safety protocols and identifying potential risks on each site, construction companies can create an environment where employees can carry out tasks without unnecessary danger.

Why safety matters

Safety protocols are lifesavers in the high-risk environment of construction. According to 2022 statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounted for approximately 1,056 fatal work injuries in the United States, making it the second most hazardous sector. Similarly, in Canada, the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards reported 183 fatality claims in the construction sector in 2022, making it the most hazardous sector in the country. 

These statistics highlight the pressing need for stronger safety measures and a change in the perceived culture to prioritize safety over productivity so we can protect workers from preventable accidents and injuries. This starts with awareness of where hazards lie.

10 most common construction hazards

1. Safety at heights

Working at elevated heights is a routine part of construction work, but it has significant risks that are often overlooked and undermined. Falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated platforms are among the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips, and trips accounted for approximately 38.4% of all construction-related deaths in recent years. This is due to a variety of reasons, from employers lacking a written fall protection plan to being unaware of the requirements for providing fall protection. Additionally, fall protection equipment on-site could be damaged, worn improperly, or not securely attached.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to:

• Use proper fall protection equipment: Always wear harnesses, install guardrails, and use safety nets when working above ground level.
• Conduct regular training: Ensure all workers are trained in the correct use of fall protection gear and understand safety procedures.
• Inspect equipment before use: Regularly check all fall protection equipment for signs of wear and tear to ensure it’s safe to use.
• Adhere to safety protocols: Never bypass safety procedures for convenience or speed.

2. Poor site cleanliness

A disorganized and cluttered construction site is dangerous and is one of the leading causes of fatalities on construction sites. Poor housekeeping can lead to trips, slips, and falls, resulting in entirely preventable injuries. Materials and tools left scattered around can cause workers to stumble, while spills of liquids like oil or water create slippery surfaces. Unsecured tools and materials can also fall from heights, posing a risk to those working below.

Improving site cleanliness involves several proactive steps:

• Implement regular clean-ups: Establish a daily or weekly schedule for tidying the site.
• Ensure proper waste disposal access: Provide adequate waste bins and ensure they’re emptied regularly.
• Organize storage areas: Keep tools and materials in designated spots to prevent clutter.
• Promote a culture of cleanliness: Encourage every team member to take responsibility for maintaining a clean work environment.

3. Ladders and scaffolding

Ladders and scaffolding are essential tools on construction sites but pose significant risks when misused. Falls from these structures are among the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the industry. OSHA reports numerous scaffold-related accidents yearly due to improper assembly, overloading, lack of guardrails, and using damaged equipment.

To enhance safety, workers should receive proper training in setup and use, conduct regular equipment inspections for defects, adhere to weight limits, and ensure ladders and scaffolds are placed on stable, level surfaces.

4. Heavy machinery

Heavy machinery like forklifts, bulldozers, and excavators are used for construction tasks daily but can be dangerous if not operated correctly. In 2022, forklift accidents alone resulted in about 73 fatalities and 24,960 serious injuries that required time off in the U.S. Common hazards include collisions, tipping due to unbalanced loads, and mechanical failures, often exacerbated by poor visibility and operator inexperience.

To avoid these accidents, it’s best to ensure that only trained and certified individuals operate the machinery and follow operational speed and load capacity guidelines. In addition, it’s helpful to establish ways for clear communication between operators and ground workers so everyone is informed.

5. Hand hazards

Cuts, scrapes, broken fingers, and even amputations are serious risks when working with machinery on construction sites. According to the Liles White PLLC, there were 9,760 cases of nonfatal hand injuries reported in 2020. These injuries include cuts, lacerations, fractures, and amputations, often resulting from improper handling of equipment or the absence of protective gear. As automation increases, the number of machines capable of causing severe hand injuries will only grow, making vigilance more important than ever.

Focusing on changing behaviors and improving awareness is crucial to effectively reducing hand injuries in the workplace. This starts with being mindful of your surroundings before taking action. Often, workers fall into routines where they move or reach without fully observing their environment, leading to accidents. Workers can prevent many common hand injuries by consciously looking at and assessing the area before moving or handling objects.

6. Electrical hazards

Electrical hazards pose severe risks on construction sites, including shocks, burns, and electrocution. OSHA identifies electrocution as one of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of death in the construction industry. In 2021, electrocutions accounted for about 8 % of construction worker fatalities in the United States.

Exposed wires, faulty equipment, and working in wet conditions are the leading causes of these dangers. Many of these cases stem from treating electrical work casually and not accounting for all scenarios that could play out. Being more vigilant with safety measures, such as de-energizing circuits before work, using insulated tools, and following lockout/tagout procedures, will help reduce fatalities—this comes back to accountability on site. Regular electrical wiring inspections should be prioritized to help prevent electrical accidents and protect workers from harm.

7. Confined spaces

Confined spaces such as manholes, crawl spaces, and tanks present significant hazards on construction sites. These areas often have limited entry and exit points, poor ventilation, and may contain hazardous atmospheres, increasing the risk of suffocation, toxic exposure, or entrapment. According to OHSA, incidents in confined spaces can lead to multiple fatalities, especially when untrained personnel attempt rescue operations.

Implementing a permit-required confined space program helps ensure all necessary safety measures are in place. In addition, providing adequate ventilation and equipping workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, will further safeguard their well-being.

8. Hazardous material exposure

Construction sites often involve hazardous materials such as chemicals, asbestos, and lead. Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to acute or chronic health issues, including respiratory diseases and cancers. Workers must be trained in properly handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials to minimize risks. A great tool to have on every site is the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) based on the occupation. They provide basic safety guidelines for reference if a worker should ever forget.

9. Fire and explosion hazards

Due to flammable materials like solvents, fuels, and gasses, fire and explosion hazards are another concern on construction sites. Electrical faults, open flames, and improper storage of combustible materials can lead to devastating incidents. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2017 and 2021, there was an annual average of 4,440 fires in structures under construction per year, resulting in $370 million in direct property damage.

To mitigate these hazards, it’s best to ensure:

• Proper storage and handling: Store flammable substances in designated, clearly marked containers and areas to prevent accidental ignition.
• Electrical safety: Ensure that all electrical systems are installed and maintained correctly to avoid faults that could spark fires.
• Fire safety training: Provide workers with training on fire prevention techniques, the proper use of fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation procedures.
• No-smoking policies: Enforce strict no-smoking rules on and around the construction site to reduce ignition sources.

10. Manual handling

Manual handling tasks—including lifting, carrying, and moving materials by hand—are common in construction work. However, improper manual handling is a leading cause of lower back injuries among construction workers. These injuries often result from lifting heavy loads without proper technique, twisting while carrying objects, or handling awkward or bulky materials. Training on safe lifting practices and ergonomic techniques can significantly reduce the risk. Employers should encourage using mechanical aids like wheelbarrows, hoists, or forklifts to minimize physical strain. Exoskeletons and wearable technologies also provide manual support for construction work to reduce the risk of physical injury. 

Final thoughts

Safety on construction sites is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a fundamental responsibility shared by everyone involved. The numerous hazards present are serious, but they can be managed effectively with awareness and proper precautions. As workers focus on building and improving the spaces where we live and work, safety should remain the prime focus of everyone involved.