While health and safety practices within the construction industry have undoubtedly improved over the last few years, it is still considered to be one of the most dangerous industries to work in. This is borne out by figures released by the Health and Safety Executive that show that 51% of all non fatal injuries sustained in the workplace occur in the construction industry. The prevalence of accidents in the UK construction industry and the wider construction sector highlights the ongoing risks faced by workers and the need for continued vigilance.
HSE also reports that during 2022/23, 45 workers were fatally injured in accidents on construction sites, a figure which is higher than any other working environment. There were also 4,038 non fatal injuries reported by employers under RIDDOR in 2022/23. All in all, accidents on construction sites resulted in the loss of more than 520,000 working days in 2022/23. This loss of working days combined with other things such as bodily injury claims, can have huge financial implications for the industry. If you have been injured, you may be wondering how much compensation you could be entitled to; this can depend on the severity of your injuries, and there are guidelines and online calculators available to help estimate potential compensation amounts.
While it is clear there are certain risks associated with the construction industry, there is no doubt that there is fierce determination within the industry to make the working environment a safer place.
If you have suffered an accident on a construction site and need advice, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case with no obligation.
Within this blog post, we will look at the most common construction accidents and common construction accidents, including the most common causes of injury, the types of injury that construction workers sustain, safety measures you can take, and what you should do if you are injured at work.
Introduction to Construction Accidents
Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, presenting a wide range of risks to construction workers every day. The construction industry remains one of the most dangerous sectors in the UK, with construction site accidents accounting for a significant proportion of workplace injuries and fatalities. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), construction accidents are a persistent concern, making it crucial for everyone involved—construction workers, employers, and site managers—to understand the most common causes of such accidents. By identifying these risks and working together to implement effective safety measures, the construction industry can make significant strides in reducing accidents and creating safer construction sites for all.
Construction Site Hazards
Construction sites are filled with a variety of hazards that can lead to accidents and injuries for construction workers. From defective equipment and excessive noise to vehicle accidents and tripping hazards, the potential for harm is ever-present. Identifying and addressing these hazards is essential to prevent construction site accidents and maintain a safe working environment. Good housekeeping, regular inspections, and ongoing training are key to minimizing risks and ensuring that construction sites remain as safe as possible for everyone involved.
What are The Main Causes of Construction Industry Injuries?
The majority of accidents in the construction industry fall into 4 main categories which according to HSE (Health and Safety Executive) figures in 2022/23 were:
- Falls From Height – 33%
- Slips Trips and falls – 30%
- Being Struck By a Moving or Falling Object – 14%
- Injured While Handling Lifting or Carrying – 7%
A thorough risk assessment is essential for identifying these hazards and implementing effective safety measures.
While these are the main categories, it does not mean injuries are limited to them. Common accidents, including manual handling accidents, frequently occur in the construction industry. Let’s take a look at all the main reasons accidents occur in the construction industry in a little more depth and what could be done to avoid them. Adhering to safety regulations and maintaining workplace health are crucial steps in preventing injuries.
Construction work often includes manual labour, such as lifting and carrying materials. Manual labour is a significant factor in injury statistics, particularly for back and neck injuries.
Falls From Height Among Construction Workers
Implementing these measures helps prevent falls and reduce the number of workers fall incidents on construction sites. Falls from height are probably the most common of the four fatal categories of injury within construction. Because workers often need to work on scaffolding and use ladders to access it, the risk of falls from height is ever present. Some of the measures you can take to minimise the risk of falls include:
- Wearing appropriate footwear
- Performing regular safety inspections
- Ensuring your ladders and scaffolding is fitted with handrails
- Use of safety gear such as hard hats and safety goggles
- Ensuring walkways and scaffolding are appropriately guarded
- Wear safety harnesses
- Wear safety helmets and other relevant PPE
- Utilise fall protection systems such as guardrails, canopy structures or toe boards
Falls from height can be the cause of some of the most serious injuries sustained by construction workers. Broken bones, spinal injuries, crush injuries, and serious head or brain injuries are just a few of the injuries caused by falls from height.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Another common occurrence, slips, trips, and falls on the same level, are a major cause of injury in construction. Working outside in different weather conditions, workers are often exposed to slippery conditions underfoot, while the makeup of the site means there are sometimes loose cables, groundwork holes, or pieces of equipment lying around. Uneven surfaces are a frequent tripping hazard, and inadequate lighting can make it harder to spot these risks, especially during early mornings or late evenings.
This can sometimes make it difficult to navigate round a site and put workers at risk of slipping or tripping. If you want to reduce the chances of suffering from a fall while at work you should:
- Keep pathways clear at all times
- Ensure you are wearing the correct safety footwear
- Try and keep the site neat and tidy
- Always clean up spillages when they happen
- Make sure all tools and equipment is stored away
Effective management is essential for maintaining safe pathways and minimizing environmental hazards on site, helping to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Injuries from falls include lower limb injuries such as broken bones, strains, ligament damage also arm and wrist injuries are other injuries commonly sustained by victims of slips and trips.
Being Hit By Falling Or moving Objects
Building materials, tools, bits of scaffolding, and other falling objects from height are a constant menace for anyone working on site, often causing injuries such as minor cuts, bruises, or even more severe head and brain injuries. The same can be said for all the different plant and the risk of being struck by a moving vehicle as it navigates its way round the site where there are often no proper road systems. Drivers going too fast or not concentrating can all lead to accidents.
The main contractor is responsible for overseeing site safety and managing risks from moving vehicles and falling objects, ensuring health and safety compliance for everyone on site.
Some of the steps you can take to keep your site safe and health and safety compliant include:
- Avoid walking under ladders or scaffolding wherever possible
- Make sure you have all necessary warning signs in place
- Always wear a hard hat
- Make sure anyone driving on site are qualified to drive the vehicle they are using
- Carry out regular ongoing training
- Make sure all your vehicles have warning indicators such as horns
- Ban vehicles from reversing
- Make sure wearing high-vis vests or shirts is mandatory
If you are injured by a moving vehicle or falling object on a construction site, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim.
Manual Handling Injuries
By the very nature of the job, most construction work involves a lot of lifting and carrying. This can involve heavy materials such as bricks, breeze blocks, bags of cement and sand. Back, neck and knee injuries are a regular problem for anyone working in construction. Manual handling accidents are a leading cause of injury on construction sites, often resulting from improper lifting techniques. Anyone who works in construction should receive proper manual handling training so they know how to lift properly and reduce the chances of sustaining injury.
Now, as we said, those are the four main causes of injury but there are others which while not as common are just as dangerous. These include:
- Electrocution – this can lead to serious burns, electric shocks or in the most extreme cases death. Contact with power lines is a significant risk, and only qualified workers should use electrical testing equipment to ensure safety and avoid electrocution.
- Trench Collapses – because of the sometimes unstable state of the ground, onsite workers could be at risk of ground collapses. This can lead to crush or impact injuries. Following strict safety protocols is essential on any building site to minimize these risks.
- Vibration Injuries – It is not uncommon for construction workers to have to use vibrating power tools for extended periods of time, this can lead to you developing conditions such as vibration white finger or hand, arm vibration syndrome. Prolonged exposure can also cause nerve and tendon damage, which may result in severe consequences if left untreated.
- Exposure to hazardous substances – Construction workers often handle chemicals and irritants that can pose serious health risks. Without proper precautions, exposure to hazardous substances can lead to ill health, affecting the lungs, eyes, and skin.
Defective Equipment
Defective equipment is a major hazard on construction sites and can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. Faulty equipment, such as malfunctioning power tools or heavy machinery, can cause unexpected accidents if not properly maintained. Construction workers rely on these tools every day, so it is vital that employers carry out regular inspections and maintenance to ensure all equipment is in safe working order. In addition, construction workers should be trained in the safe operation of all machinery and encouraged to report any signs of defective equipment immediately. By prioritizing equipment safety, construction sites can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by faulty or defective equipment.
Excessive Noise
Excessive noise is a common but often overlooked hazard on construction sites. Prolonged exposure to loud noise from power tools, heavy machinery, and ongoing construction work can lead to serious health risks, including hearing loss and tinnitus. To protect construction workers from these dangers, employers must provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as ear defenders, and ensure that all workers are trained in their use. Regular risk assessments should be conducted to monitor noise levels and identify areas where excessive noise poses a risk. Implementing measures to reduce noise exposure, such as using quieter equipment or scheduling noisy tasks at different times, can help safeguard the long-term health of construction workers.
Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents are a frequent cause of construction site accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Construction sites are busy environments with moving vehicles like forklifts, cranes, and delivery trucks operating in close proximity to construction workers. To minimize the risk of vehicle-related accidents, employers must ensure that all vehicles are properly maintained and that only trained and authorized personnel operate them. Construction workers should remain vigilant, follow designated walkways, and always be aware of their surroundings when working near moving vehicles. By fostering a culture of safety and awareness, construction sites can reduce the likelihood of serious accidents involving vehicles.
What Should you Do If you Have an Accident on Site?
If you are unfortunate enough to be injured at work, there are a few steps that you should take which are:
- Report the accident immediately and make sure details are entered in the accident book
- Make sure you seek medical help even if you consider the injuries to be minor it is important to have them documented
- Get details of anyone who witnessed the accident you may need them to provide you or your employer or a third party with evidence later.
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries
If you have been involved in a construction site accident, you have the right to claim compensation and seek compensation for your injuries, especially if the accident was due to unsafe conditions or negligence. Proper documentation and evidence will support your claim.
Remember, your employer has a duty of care while you are at work, and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure workplace safety. If you are injured through the employer’s fault or the negligence of a colleague, you may be entitled to make a construction accident at work claim. Hopefully, the information contained in this blog post will have left you better informed about accidents in the construction industry and what you need to do if you are injured while working on site.
