SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY - CAUSES OF

ACCIDENTS, REMEDIAL MEASURES

Safety in the Construction Industry:

Construction site safety is an aspect of construction-related activities concerned

with protecting construction site workers and others from death, injury, disease or
other health-related risks. Construction is an often hazardous, predominantly
land-based activity where site workers may be exposed to various risks, some of
which remain unrecognized. Site risks can include working at height, moving
machinery (vehicles, cranes, etc.) and materials, power tools and electrical
equipment, hazardous substances, plus the effects of excessive noise, dust and
vibration. The leading causes of construction site fatalities are falls, electrocutions,
crush injuries, and caught-between injuries.
CAUSES OF ACCIDENT:

Fall Hazards:
Falls from heights, such as scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or elevated work platforms,
are a leading cause of fatalities and injuries in construction. Lack of fall protection
systems or improper use of safety equipment exacerbates this risk.

Struck-By Accidents:
Workers are at risk of being struck by heavy equipment, falling objects, or moving
vehicles on construction sites. These accidents often occur due to inadequate
signaling, poor visibility, or failure to maintain safe distances.
Caught-In or Between Accidents:
Workers may become trapped or crushed by equipment, machinery, collapsing
structures, or excavation cave-ins. Inadequate shoring, trenching, or confined space
procedures increase the likelihood of such incidents.

Electrical Hazards:
Contact with live wires, faulty electrical equipment, or overhead power lines poses
a significant risk of electrocution and electrical burns. Failure to de-energize
circuits, inadequate training, or improper use of electrical tools exacerbates this
danger.
Collapse of Structures:
Structural failures or collapses can occur during construction due to design flaws,
poor workmanship, or overloading. Inadequate bracing, improper sequencing, or
lack of inspections contribute to this risk.

Unsafe Equipment Operation:

Improper use or maintenance of heavy machinery, power tools, or construction
equipment can lead to accidents such as overturning, entanglement, or mechanical
failures.
Hazardous Materials Exposure:
Workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, dust, fumes, or asbestos during
construction activities. Inadequate ventilation, lack of personal protective
equipment (PPE), or improper handling increase the risk of chemical exposure or
respiratory illnesses.

Fire Hazards:
Construction sites are susceptible to fire hazards due to the presence of flammable
materials, hot work operations, or electrical faults. Inadequate fire prevention
measures, improper storage of combustible materials, or smoking in restricted
areas exacerbate this risk.
Preventive Measures for Construction Safety:

The worker should always wear protective gloves, gear suits that cover legs, arms,
hands, helmets to protect the head, and boots to protect the feet. The boots" Height
should be such that concrete does not enter. Glasses or safety glasses should be
worn to shield the eyes from flying debris and cement dust.

As one of the most hazardous industries, construction sites require special attention
from all construction companies. However, the number of occurrences can be
reduced if workers are provided with sufficient education and the company adheres
rigorously to the safety requirements of the construction site.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
In addition to addressing immediate risks through remedial measures, preventing
accidents in the construction industry requires a proactive approach focused on
eliminating hazards and fostering a culture of safety. Key preventive measures
include:

Safety Leadership:
Promoting safety leadership at all levels of the organization, from management to
frontline workers, to prioritize safety, set clear expectations, and lead by example.

Safety Culture:
Fostering a positive safety culture that encourages open communication, active
participation, and accountability for safety performance among all stakeholders.
Pre-Task Planning:
Conducting pre-task planning meetings to discuss potential hazards, establish safe
work methods, allocate resources, and ensure everyone understands their roles and
responsibilities.

Continuous Training:
Providing ongoing safety training, toolbox talks, and refresher courses to reinforce
safe work practices, update workers on regulatory changes, and enhance awareness
of emerging hazards.
Subcontractor Management:
Holding subcontractors accountable for adhering to safety standards, conducting
pre-qualification assessments, and ensuring they have adequate safety programs
and training in place.

Safety Audits and Inspections:

Conducting regular safety audits, inspections, and walkthroughs to identify
compliance gaps, verify the effectiveness of controls, and address any deficiencies
promptly.
Employee Engagement:
Encouraging employee involvement in safety committees, hazard reporting
programs, and safety improvement initiatives to empower workers to identify and
address safety concerns proactively.

Innovation and Technology:

Embracing innovative technologies such as wearables, drones, virtual reality (VR),
and building information modeling (BIM) to enhance safety planning, monitoring,
and risk mitigation on construction sites.
CONCLUSION:

By implementing a comprehensive approach that combines remedial and

preventive measures, construction stakeholders can create safer work
environments, reduce accidents, and protect the well-being of workers while
promoting productivity and project success.