Construction Safety

Construction is any work done in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, refurbishment, decommissioning or demolition of any structure, or any similar activity. The main sectors of construction are:

56% of all construction workers will suffer some sort of musculoskeletal injury (an injury of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints that may be caused or aggravated by your work) due to stresses applied to the body during day-to-day activity.

Incorrect manual handling procedures, poor ergonomic design and prolonged awkward posture can result in hernias, disorders of muscle tendons, disorders of the spinal vertebrae and strain and sprains of joints and adjacent muscles. Musculoskeletal and other general injuries that occur within the construction industry can be avoided through joint preventative measures:

A musculoskeletal injury can affect your ability to perform your work. Early signs and symptoms can progress into conditions which can have long-term effects. If you feel any symptoms, do not hesitate to inform your supervisor. It is important that you report signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries as early as possible.

Construction continues to have the second highest fatality rate of all industries, however many of these (30% of all fatalities) were from prolonged contact with chemicals or hazardous substances e.g. Asbestos. The three most common hazards in the construction industry include;