Sign up: 
Sign up:
Sign up:
There are many risks that companies and individuals must be aware of and aim to prevent on construction sites. While this can be a dangerous industry to operate in, sites should always run safely and efficiently to minimise any potential harm to workers.
Construction companies should undertake risk assessments to outline all potential risks on each job and implement strategies to reduce these risks.
While all precautions may be in place to reduce risks, unfortunately, accidents can happen. So what are the most common injuries sustained by construction workers in Britain?
The latest statistics from HSE have shown that slips, trips and falls are the most common non-fatal accidents experienced by UK construction workers. In the year 2018-19, there were 1,223 reported slips, trips and falls, of which 509 were specified – which RIDDOR defines as “fitting within their pre-defined list of injuries”. Further to this, 714 people had to take over seven days off work due to the injuries they sustained.
Unfortunately, tripping over objects can happen in any workplace or construction site. People can easily slip on a substance that has been spilt on the floor and not cleaned up, trip over loose wires or fall into holes that have not been adequately signposted.
Before any work is undertaken, all workers should complete safety training, so they are aware of any potential hazards. The training should educate them on safety standards that must be followed, and they should be given access to all company policies regarding health and safety, as well as told who the site first aider is.
Further to this, all workers must have appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect them from hazards. This may include a hard hat, goggles, gloves, safety boots and high-vis jackets. If the site will be particularly noisy, they may also require ear defenders or plugs.
When it comes to slips and trips, protection systems should be in place to stop them from happening. This may be guardrails, scaffolding, nets or other structures to ensure staff safety. All areas should be kept clean and tidy, with walkways free from clutter, debris or spills to reduce these types of accidents.
Firstly, you should report your accident at work to your employer, in the company accident book, and to your doctor. It’s also worth taking photos of your injury and writing down exactly what happened afterwards so you don’t forget any details. If there was anyone with you at the time, get their contact details and ask them to make notes too.
If you are unable to work because of your injury, you may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay, which can be claimed for 28 weeks. You can check whether you’re eligible on the government website. You may also be able to claim compensation if the accident wasn’t your fault, through companies like National Accident Law. They will listen to your situation and offer you free, impartial advice so you can decide what to do next.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Situated at the northern edge of a newly developed retail park near Bristol, the Abbey Wood Travelodge was conceived as part of the company’s new Budget-Luxe line of hotels – it features CUPACLAD, from CUPA PIZARRAS.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Systems, Case Studies, Cladding, Concrete, Cement, Admixtures, Facades, Posts, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Walls
Origin’s latest investment is set to redefine industry standards as it launches its own in-house powder coating facility.
Posted in Aluminium Products, Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Systems, Doors, Glass, Glazing, Innovations & New Products, Paints, Coatings & Finishes, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation, Site Preparation, Windows
C-TEC’s revolutionary CAST-PRO integrated detection and alarm devices have been chosen for a highly-regarded care home in Wrexham.
Posted in Articles, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Case Studies, Facility Management & Building Services, Health & Safety, Information Technology, Innovations & New Products, Retrofit & Renovation, Security and Fire Protection
Saniflo has played a crucial role in converting the historic Sula Lightship into a unique, high-standard accommodation facility.
Posted in Articles, Bathrooms & Toilets, Bathrooms, Bedrooms & Washrooms, Building Industry News, Building Products & Structures, Building Services, Case Studies, Drainage, Drainage Services, Drainage, Guttering, Soffits & Fascias, Facility Management & Building Services, Interiors, Pipes, Pipes & Fittings, Plumbing, Restoration & Refurbishment, Retrofit & Renovation
One in five workplace fatalities is construction-related according to EHS. Workplace accidents might result in a fatality, permanent disability, or time lost by an employee who is now unable to work for a day or more. If this worker had an important job working as part of a team; this team may not be able to carry out their job as efficiently or at all, until a new worker is available. When you calculate all the costs for workplace mishaps, the numbers are staggering. In order to lower workplace accidents as much as possible, companies have the responsibility to plan ahead for safety and train everyone to work safely. Implementing an effective safety training program can be challenging and this article talks about how to implement workplace safety training with lower costs and time workplace safety training Both employers and employees have to make an effort to make sure every worker can go home safe and healthy everyday.