During 2023/24, the construction industry accounted for the greatest number of work-related fatal deaths, with 51 workers killed in accidents – five times higher than the average rate across all industries. This highlights that construction needs to step up and take action to stop more preventable deaths from happening. So, what can be done to better manage health and safety risks on construction sites?

Common hazards and how to control them

Every construction site is different so the safety risks will vary from project to project; however, here are examples of the most common kinds of hazards.  

Falling from height

The most common cause of fatal injuries across all industries is falling from height, accounting for 50% of work-related deaths in 2023/24. Where working at height is unavoidable, all workers must be sufficiently trained to use any machinery and equipment. The consequences of falling must then be minimised with safety measures such as a net, harnesses and edge protection.  

Moving vehicles

A quarter of all workplace deaths in 2023/24 were caused by being struck by a moving vehicle. On a construction site, heavy machinery is often being operated, posing a safety hazard to those working and, depending on the site, the general public. Routes for vehicles and pedestrians should therefore be carefully planned out before machinery is used.

The Health and Safety Executive advises, ‘You can achieve separation by keeping pedestrians and vehicles well clear of one another, ideally using completely different routes. If routes must be close to each other, physical barriers to prevent pedestrians or vehicles straying into each other’s areas should be put in place where this is reasonably practicable.’

Slips and trips

Construction sites are ever-changing, so will often have uneven surfaces that may not have been there before. A key way of preventing slips and falls is to keep the site tidy. Project managers should be vigilant and immediately signpost any slippery areas, taking the necessary action to minimise risk. Mud can be treated with stone and ice can be treated with grit.

Mitigating risk

As it so often does in construction, reducing fatal injuries comes back to appropriate risk assessment and subsequent effective management of such hazards. Regardless of the specific risk, appropriate PPE should always be worn by members of a construction site. There should be regular inspections of the site and project managers should have adequate emergency response plans in place from the start. Everyone on the site should be trained and ready to respond if incidents occur such as a fire, a medical emergency or a building collapse.

Here to help

The stakes are high on a construction site, which is why it is vital that contractors are appropriately insured so they are covered for all eventualities. We can help your construction clients source the most appropriate insurance. To find out more, please get in touch on 0345 345 4511 or email sales@astute-insurance-co-uk.stackstaging.com.