Construction sites can be dangerous places, with many hazards present that can lead to serious injuries if proper precautions aren’t taken – 51 people died in construction-related fatal accidents in 2023-24, 59% of whom were employed. With the right care, all of these accidents could have been avoided.
Here are 5 of the most common accidents that occur on construction sites in the UK.Falls from Height
50 workers died after falling from a height in 2023/24, and one of the biggest risks on any construction site is working at height. Falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs and other elevated working surfaces are a major cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Common injuries from falls include fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries and even death. All workers should use proper fall arrest systems when working at height, such as safety harnesses and restraint lines. Guardrails, toe boards and other fall prevention systems should also be in place around elevated work areas. Proper training on use of ladders and scaffolds is essential in conjunction with PPE use.
Objects Striking
Construction workers can be struck by all kinds of falling or flying objects. Tools, materials, debris and equipment can all cause serious blunt force trauma injuries if they strike a worker. Using toe boards, debris nets, barricades and designated storage areas can help keep projectiles contained. Workers should also wear hard hats at all times on site to protect from falling objects. Keeping a clean and organised site helps reduce trip and struck-by hazards.
Electrocution on Construction Sites
Electrical hazards cause many construction injuries and fatalities each year. Workers can be electrocuted by touching live wires or components, or use of damaged extension cords and power tools. Inspect all electrical equipment before use, use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and keep cords and connections far from water sources. All electrical work should be done by qualified electricians in compliance with applicable safety standards.
Caught-in or Struck-by Equipment
Heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, lift trucks and cranes all move around construction sites. This creates the potential for workers on foot to be struck or pinned. Establish designated pedestrian walkways and areas off limits to vehicles. Make sure operators are properly trained and hold required licences for the equipment they use. Workers should maintain visibility and communication with operators at all times. High-visibility vests should be worn by anyone on foot.
Collapse or Contact with Structures/Materials of Construction Sites
The physical structures on construction sites pose many hazards themselves. Scaffolding or formwork may collapse if overloaded or assembled incorrectly. Ditches, trenches and excavations can cave in on top of workers inside. And contact with cement, fuel, chemicals and other materials can cause injuries from chemical burns to respiratory issues. Proper structural inspections, slope angles, protective systems and hazardous material handling procedures should be used to mitigate these risks.
By being aware of these common hazards, construction workers and managers can take proactive steps to prevent accidents and injuries on the jobsite. Adequate training, PPE, and focus on site organisation and housekeeping are key to keeping UK construction projects incident-free.