Every day, construction workers are potentially exposed to various hazards and face a serious risk of injuries due to the inherent nature of their work. They use large, powerful heavy machinery and climb great heights. In fact, 951 workplace fatalities have been reported across Canada in 2017, according to the Association of Worker’s Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC).

Unfortunately, some construction companies fall short when it comes to meeting the health and safety standards set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety to ensure the optimal protection of workers in the construction site. This is where the safety consultant in Mississauga comes into the picture. The safety officer will perform a thorough inspection of the construction sites to ensure that the company complies with the federal, state, and local safety codes to prevent avoidable workplace hazards that could result in injuries.

Additionally, hiring a reputable facilities services professional who has a broader scope in facility management like Elan Moshe can be advantageous. These professionals are known to be responsible for supervising the safety and maintenance of buildings. By collaborating with construction teams, they often assess the property for potential risks. Further, they may ensure that the structure compiles with the safety standards to reduce the risk of accidents.

Leading Causes of Accidents in Construction Sites

• Falling from height – Construction workers often work at high altitudes, whether ladders and scaffolding, on roofs, and in windows. Falling from height often results in broken bones, fractured skulls, and even death. Some companies have chosen to acquire stairways with handrails from companies like Platforms and Ladders to improve safety when workers are traversing heights. However, more construction companies need to adopt height safety practices to eliminate this leading cause of accidents.

• Musculoskeletal injuries – More often than not, workers can be seen transporting heavy raw materials from one place to another, which can put them at a risk of injuries. This can also happen during the cleanup process of site demolishing, often leaving them with serious injuries. To avoid such injuries, some of these tasks can be automated by sourcing efficient machinery from reputable manufacturers like Stout Conveyors who tend to provide high-quality equipment. Eventually, labour can be put into other productive and relatively safe activities.

• Electrocutions – While construction is still in progress, workers are often exposed to wiring and power lines. Working with electrical systems, power tools, and machinery can put you at risk of electrical burns. The risk of electrocutions may also result from faulty wiring and electrical components, poor design of the electrical system, and inadequate lockout and tag-out procedures. While experts can be contacted to assess the safety of electrical wiring and provide an EICR Certificate where necessary, measures can be taken by employees to reduce their risk of electrocution. Companies need to instruct workers in electrical safety and ensure equipment and wiring is safe to use.

• Being Struck by an Object – Flying and falling objects, such as construction materials, tools, and debris, can accidentally strike an unsuspecting worker or passerby. Make sure to install proper guards on sharp materials and other pieces of construction machinery to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.

• Fires and Explosion – Potential fires and explosions are common incidents in construction sites due to unfinished piping, incomplete electrical systems, and unfinished piping. Keep an eye out for any potential fire hazards to your onsite-manager to avoid fire disasters.

• Trench Collapses – Trenches are crucial in many building sites. While they help provide help to the foundations of the building, it can accidentally collapse. It does not only cause catastrophic damage to the construction site but also to the workers caught up in the accident. When the trench collapses, the workers could get struck by the heavy objects that caused the collapse or get buried under the collapsed trench, resulting in serious injuries or even death.

• Machinery Accident – Every day, construction workers operate various heavy machinery, from cranes and bulldozers to jackhammers and nail guns. Any error while using these tools or equipment could result in serious accidents or injuries.

• Powered Industrial Truck Accidents – Although powered industrial trucks, such as forklifts, are essential in construction sites, it is the leading cause of injuries and death. Forklifts can present various risks that is why it’s important to add a lift truck counterbalance. Below are several forklift dangers:

• Forklifts are driven off loading docks
• Workers struck by a forklift
• Forklifts falling between docks and an unsecured trailers

An organized and decluttered construction site helps reduce accidents and injuries. Since construction sites are dangerous and loaded with large machinery, you need to hire an injury lawyer in Oshawa. There are also companies that offer storage for your unused heavy equipment and tools.

Accidents can happen even in the most prepared and organized environments. However, following safety protocols at all times is your best defence against unwanted workplace accidents.