Construction is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Hazards in the workplace can cause serious injuries or even death, making it all the more important to be aware of the most common threats facing employees.
The following are 10 health and safety issues related to construction work identified by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety that employers should be aware of.
Workplace Hazards for Construction Workers
- Pain or injury from physical exertion, repetitive manual tasks or working in awkward positions
- Exposure to mould and fungi
- Exposure to lead, wood dust, asbestos, paints, solvents, and other toxic materials
- Working in extremely hot or cold temperatures
- Working with heavy powered equipment
- Excess vibrations caused by power tools and other equipment
- Working in confined spaces
- Working in loud conditions
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Working alone or at extreme heights
When employees are armed with the appropriate knowledge, it becomes easier to prevent accidents caused by the above hazards. In order to protect your employees, it's important to assess your workplace and identify the risks that are most likely to impact your workers.
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From there, it's critical that you provide the proper training and safety equipment to your employees. Doing so can mean the difference between life and death.
