Safety risks in construction

The risks of accidents at work are greatest in construction. Too many accidents happen every year, sometimes with serious consequences. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to assess and describe risks in the so-called risk inventory and evaluation plan. Then there must be a plan of action on what measures have been taken to minimize the risks. Just over half of construction companies possess a risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E), but only half of those construction companies actually have a plan of action. Although this is a legal requirement for all companies, three-quarters of the construction companies do not have a written action plan on the risks.

What are the risks?

Long-term disability due to physical strain is common. Falls and trips are the most common accidents. So physical strain is a major risk. A large proportion of construction accidents are caused by falls and trips. Accidents caused by working at heights without protection are also significant. Safety is an important issue and every accident requires a comprehensive evaluation of how it could happen and how it can be prevented. Risk analysis is not a static concept, but work is constantly changing which means that risks also change.

Personal protective equipment

Risks are divided into categories. The first category is low risk, then medium risk and category 3 means high risk of accidents. It goes without saying that protective equipment is matched to the risk classification. When working on construction, the average work is classified as category 2, therefore a medium risk. The work risks; lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying are the most common. Working at height or working with specific machinery are labeled category 3. No construction work is known to fall outside the risk category.

Among personal protective equipment are work shoes, gloves and rainwear category I. Safety glasses, safety shoes and helmet category II. Harnesses, chemical-resistant clothing or compressed air masks are category III examples. Quality standards are set for all protective equipment. The quality standards include at least a CE mark and instructions for use. The manufacturer must provide a technical dossier of the product and indicate what safety can be expected. Most protective equipment targets vital parts such as head, eyes, ears, hands and feet. Category III products often involve total personal protection.

Personal protection

To work safely, protective equipment that targets vital parts can help prevent worse. In addition to the employer's duty to provide certified protective equipment, employees must use it in accordance with instructions for use. Clear information about safety and proper use of the devices is an important issue. This type of periodic transfer of information should also be included in an action plan.

Downplaying risks for the sake of saving time is out of the question, but is common. The attitude for safe working should be promoted by the employer and employees should take the safety provided seriously.