Health & Safety Risks in Construction
Anyone who has spent time on a construction site is likely familiar with the wide range of health and safety (H&S) risks present in this industry. Despite increased awareness and stricter regulations, construction-related injuries continue to occur at alarming rates across the United Kingdom. Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, often recording higher injury levels than most other industries.
Understanding the most common risks is essential to improving safety on-site. Below are eight frequent H&S risks in construction, along with an overview of why proper training and preventative measures are critical to reducing accidents and protecting workers.
Working at Height
Working at height remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in construction, accounting for a significant percentage of work-related deaths each year. Many injuries occur when tasks require workers to operate above ground level.
Wherever possible, risks should be eliminated by avoiding work at height altogether. Many construction tasks can be completed at ground level and later installed in elevated positions. When roofing work is required, selecting lightweight and durable solutions—such as fiberglass roof panels—can help simplify installation and reduce handling risks. Manufacturers like Stabilit America develop reinforced plastic panels designed to balance structural performance with safer handling on-site.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Construction sites are constantly changing environments, often set up on uneven surfaces and exposed to varying weather conditions. These factors significantly increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Even incidents involving minimal height can result in serious injuries such as fractures or dislocations. Slips, trips, and falls remain the most common cause of workplace injuries, many of which could be prevented through better site management and awareness.
Moving Objects
Construction sites are busy workplaces with workers, tools, machinery, and vehicles operating simultaneously. With so many activities taking place in close proximity, the risk of being struck, crushed, or caught between moving objects is high.
Materials are lifted, transported, installed, or removed throughout the project lifecycle. Workers must remain constantly alert and understand the hazards posed by moving equipment and materials.
Noise
Noise-related injuries are a persistent issue in construction. Prolonged exposure to loud machinery can lead to permanent hearing damage, with thousands of new work-related hearing loss cases reported each year in the UK.
Without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), hazardous noise levels can cause long-term harm. Excessive noise can also prevent workers from hearing alarms, warnings, or verbal instructions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Manual Handling
Manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials, present serious risks when performed incorrectly. Improper techniques can result in immediate injuries or long-term musculoskeletal problems.
Even routine movements can cause lasting damage when repeated frequently over time. Adequate training is essential to ensure workers understand safe handling techniques and minimize the risk of injury.
Asbestos
Although its use has been largely discontinued, asbestos remains a serious hazard on many construction sites. Exposure to asbestos fibres significantly increases the risk of developing severe lung diseases.
Hundreds of thousands of buildings in the UK are believed to still contain asbestos. Workers must be trained to identify potential asbestos-containing materials and understand the correct procedures for managing and avoiding exposure.
Electricity
Electrical hazards are often underestimated on construction sites, making them particularly dangerous. Electrical injuries can be severe or fatal and frequently affect workers who are not formally trained in electrical work.
Electricity is present on nearly every site, whether through temporary power supplies, tools, or installed systems. Proper training and compliance with safety regulations are essential to reducing the risk of electrical accidents.
Hand and Vibration Syndrome
Hand and Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) develops from prolonged use of vibrating handheld tools. Early symptoms include numbness and tingling, but the condition can progress to permanent nerve and muscle damage.
HAVS is entirely preventable with appropriate training, equipment, and exposure control. Without preventative measures, the condition can severely impact a worker’s ability to perform even simple tasks.
Health and safety risks are an unavoidable reality in the construction industry, but many of the most common hazards can be significantly reduced or eliminated through proper planning, training, and awareness. By identifying risks such as working at height, moving objects, noise exposure, and hazardous materials early on, construction teams can create safer working environments. Prioritising health and safety not only protects workers from injury and long-term health issues but also contributes to more efficient, responsible, and sustainable construction practices.
