The Most Common Risks Construction Workers Face Each Day

Dianne Pajo https://www.air-safeinc.com 2m 488 #construction

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Construction work isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s an intense job that comes with many risks. Nevertheless, it’s imperative work that provides opportunities for communities all over the world.

If you’re thinking about entering the construction industry, it’s important to know the dangers that accompany the job. Learn about the most common risks construction workers face each day to better understand the profession.

Intense Stress on the Body

Construction is a laborious occupation. Workers are constantly on their feet, lifting substantial items and running heavy machinery. The unique and wide-ranging requirements of each job can place immense stress on construction workers’ bodies.

Construction employees can experience back and neck injuries, pulled muscles, stiff joints, or even broken bones on the job. Wearing protective gear and maintaining general fitness and health are important to minimize the risk of injury. If workers have poor physical fitness or untreated medical conditions, the strenuous job will increase their chances of harm at work.

Excessive Vibration

Operating machinery is a key task for many construction workers. However, it can come with side effects for the operator.

Machines like jackhammers, drills, impact wrenches, and road construction vehicles can generate enormous amounts of vibration. These tools can impact the hands, arms, or entire bodies of the workers using them.

The vigorous, rapid movements of the machinery may cause lower back pain, injuries to the spine, vibration-induced white finger, and loss of sensation throughout the body. If possible, workers should try to limit exposure to excessive vibration by using tools properly and rotating tasks with other employees.

Risk of Tripping and Falling

Another hazard that arises on construction sites is the risk of tripping and falling. Surfaces can be slippery, and tools and machinery may sit unattended on the worksite, becoming trip hazards.

Misplaced items and careless actions are potentially harmful to employees. Therefore, it’s crucial for employers to provide proper safety training and ensure employees remain aware of their surroundings.

Injury to the Eardrums

Intense power tools and heavy machinery emit extremely loud sounds. While construction workers become accustomed to the noises, prolonged exposure can greatly impact the eardrums.

To minimize hearing-related injuries, employees must wear soundproof headphones. They will safeguard construction workers from bursting eardrums or intense hearing loss.

Exposure to Asbestos

Many construction employees work with new and old buildings. While asbestos is a banned substance in the US, fibers can still linger in older facilities that once used the material.

There are six different types of asbestos construction workers must be on the lookout for. Prolonged exposure to asbestos puts workers at risk of contracting mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and various cancers of the digestive system.

After reading through the most common risks construction workers face each day, you can carefully weigh your career options. Every job has various dangers, but there’s no other profession that quite compares to the significance of construction work.

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