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Hazards to construction workers

The leading safety hazards on site are falls from height,motor vehicle crashes, excavation accidents,

electrocution, machines, and being struck by fallingobjects. Some of the main health hazards on siteare asbestos, solvents, noise, and manual handlingactivities.

Falls from heights is the leading cause of injury in theconstruction industry. In the OSHA Handbook (29CFR), fall protection is needed in areas and activitiesthat include, but are not limited to: ramps, runways, andother walkways; excavations; hoist areas; holes;formwork; leading edge work; unprotected sides andedges; overhand bricklaying and related work; roofing;precast erection; wall openings; residentialconstruction; and other walking/working surfaces.

The height limit where fall protection is required is notdefined. It used to be 2 metres in the previous issue ofWork at Height Regulations. It is any height that mayresult in injury from a fall. Protection is also requiredwhen the employee is at risk to falling onto dangerousequipment.

Fall protection can be provided by guardrail systems,

safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems,positioning device systems, and warning line systems.

All employees should be trained to understand theproper way to use these systems and to identifyhazards. The employee or employer will be responsible

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for providing fall protection systems and to ensure theuse of these systems.

For further information and specifics, 29 CFR list out

further instruction in Subpart M.Motor Vehicle Crashes are another major safety hazardon construction sites. It is important to be safetycautious while operation motor vehicles or Equipmenton the site. Motor vehicles shall have a service brakesystem, emergency brake system, and a parking brakesystem. All vehicles must be equipped with an audible

warning system if the operator chooses to use it.Vehicles must have windows and doors, powerwindshield wipers, and have a clear view of site fromthe rear window.

Equipment on the job site must have light and reflectorsif intended for night use. The glass in the cab of theequipment must be safety glass. The equipment must

be used for their intended task at all times on the jobsite.

Further instruction can be found in 29 CFR Subpart O.

Temporary fencing on a building site in Sydney, Australia.

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Before any excavation has taken place, the contractoris responsible for notification of all applicablecompanies that excavation work is being performed.

Location of utilities is a must before breaking ground.During excavation, the contractor is responsible forproviding a safe work environment for employees andpedestrians. The contractor shall comply with allstandards set forth in 29 CFR Subpart P.

Access and Egress is also an important part ofexcavation safety. Ramps used by equipment must be

designed by a competent person, qualified in structuraldesign.

No person is allowed to cross underneath or standunderneath any loading or digging equipment.Employees are to remain at a safe distance from allequipment while it is operational.

Inspect the equipment before every use.

Further instruction for excavation can be found in 29CFR Subpart P.