The Top 10 Most Common Construction Safety Hazards (and How to Avoid Them)
A Quick Look at the Risks
Here’s a snapshot of the biggest culprits behind construction injuries and fatalities:
| Hazard | % of Fatalities | Estimated Annual Injuries |
| Falls | 33.5% | 351 Fatalities |
| Struck-by Incidents | 15.4% | Thousands |
| Caught-In/Between | 5.4% | Hundreds |
| Electrical Hazards | 8.3% | 1,000+ Injuries |
| Hazardous Chemical Exposure | N/A | 1,000+ Injuries |
| Slips and Trips | N/A | 25,000+ Injuries |
| Equipment-Related Injuries | N/A | Hundreds |
| Overexertion | N/A | 20% of non-fatal injuries |
| Noise Hazards | N/A | Thousands |
| Extreme Weather Conditions | N/A | Hundreds |
Now, let’s break down each hazard and talk about how to avoid them.
1. Falls: The Biggest Danger
How to Avoid Them:
- Always wear fall protection, like harnesses and guardrails.
- Inspect scaffolding and ladders before every use.
- Train workers to handle heights safely and confidently.
2. Struck-By Incidents
Struck-by accidents happen when something—like a tool, a vehicle, or construction materials—hits a worker. These incidents caused 15.4% of construction fatalities in 2020.
How to Avoid Them:
- Make hard hats and high-visibility vests non-negotiable.
- Set up clear zones for vehicles and pedestrian areas.
- Secure tools and materials to keep them from falling.
3. Caught-In/Between Accidents
These are as bad as they sound—getting caught in machinery, pinned by collapsing structures, or trapped between heavy objects. They make up about 5.4% of construction deaths.
How to Avoid Them:
- Use machine guards and lockout/tagout systems to prevent accidents.
- Always shore up trenches and excavations before anyone goes near them.
- Train your team to recognize and steer clear of pinch points.
4. Electrical Hazards
Electricity might power the job site, but it can also be a deadly hazard. Contact with live wires caused 8.3% of construction fatalities in 2020, along with over 1,000 injuries.
How to Avoid Them:
- De-energize circuits before starting work.
- Use insulated tools and wear proper PPE.
- Clearly mark and maintain safe distances from power lines.
5. Slips and Trips
With over 25,000 injuries a year, slips and trips are one of the most common ways workers get hurt. Most of these incidents lead to missed workdays and downtime.
How to Avoid Them:
- Keep walkways clear of clutter and debris.
- Use slip-resistant mats and footwear.
- Put up signs to warn people about hazardous areas.
6. Hazardous Chemical Exposure
Hazardous chemicals might not seem as scary as a power tool, but they cause over 1,000 injuries a year—and long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues like respiratory diseases.
How to Avoid Them:
- Make sure work areas are well-ventilated and equip workers with respirators.
- Label and store chemicals according to OSHA guidelines.
- Train workers to safely handle and dispose of hazardous materials.
7. Equipment-Related Injuries
Heavy machinery is essential on construction sites, but improper use or maintenance can lead to serious injuries, including crush injuries and amputations.
How to Avoid Them:
- Train and certify operators for every piece of equipment.
- Perform regular maintenance and inspections.
- Keep bystanders out of the equipment’s operating zone.
8. Overexertion
Overexertion injuries—like muscle strains or exhaustion—are a silent but serious issue. They make up nearly 20% of non-fatal injuries in construction.
How to Avoid Them:
- Use tools like hoists or forklifts for heavy lifting.
- Build in regular breaks and encourage hydration.
- Rotate tasks to reduce repetitive strain on muscles.
9. Noise Hazards
Construction sites are loud—too loud, in fact. Prolonged exposure to noisy machinery can cause permanent hearing damage. OSHA says over 50% of construction workers deal with hazardous noise levels.
How to Avoid Them:
- Make hearing protection—like earplugs or earmuffs—a must.
- Limit time spent in high-decibel areas when possible.
- Use noise-reducing engineering controls wherever you can.
10. Extreme Weather
Mother Nature can be as much of a hazard as anything on a construction site. Heat stress, cold stress, and storms cause hundreds of injuries and fatalities every year.
How to Avoid Them:
- Schedule outdoor work during cooler times when it’s hot.
- Provide shelters, warm clothing, or cooling stations, depending on the weather.
- Monitor forecasts and stop work if severe weather is on the horizon.
Let’s Make Safety a Priority
Construction safety doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, training, and commitment from everyone on the team. By staying aware of common hazards and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can help create a safer environment for everyone—and make sure every worker goes home at the end of the day.
FAQs
- OSHA, “Commonly Used Statistics,” 2020. https://www.osha.gov/statistics
- National Safety Council, “Injury Facts,” 2020. https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Injury, Illness, and Fatality Statistics,” 2020. https://www.bls.gov/iif
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention,” 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise
