Most Common Safety Mistakes on a Construction Site

Due to the presence of heavy machinery and materials, it’s easy to think of construction sites as inherently dangerous places. But that doesn’t mean workplace injuries should be considered part of the business.

To help improve workplace safety, remember this list of the most common safety mistakes on a construction site.

Hazard Communication & Procedures

Proper construction site safety isn’t just about having the right safety gear and materials—it’s also about having suitable communication channels and procedures for hazards. A construction site can be a dangerous and unpredictable workplace, and workers need to identify and communicate potential risks to others.

Hazard communication is essential for sites with chemical and electrical hazards. Please ensure everyone at the site knows what to do when they encounter hazardous chemical, electrical, or other dangerous elements in the area and how to communicate the danger.

Dated Technology

When assessing the MOTOROLA TLK 100 and TLK 150 compared to the older Nextel Push-to-Talk versions as means of on-site communication, it's essential to be aware of the prevalent safety errors that users often encounter when using older tech. Altech’s post on old Nextel phones underscores the importance of recognizing these common pitfalls and highlights why a move to newer communication solutions might be good for your business. Modern devices not only inherit the legacy of reliable push-to-talk communication but also integrate cutting-edge features to address safety concerns, thus making them a great addition to encourage site safety. 

Improper Head Protection

The first thing a worker learns on a construction site is always to wear a hard hat. Even minor objects can cause severe damage when dropped from great heights.

However, it’s common for workers to become complacent or forget to put on their hard hats while at the site. Additionally, workers sometimes improperly wear other clothing or hats underneath their hard hats, compromising their protective capabilities.

Pro Tip: When working in exceptionally hot or cold temperatures at a site, outfit your workers with OSHA-regulated under-hat protection so they’re safe and adequately cool or warm while wearing a hard hat.

Fall Safeguards

Fall protection is vital to a safe workplace in construction sites where workers operate tens, hundreds, or even thousands of feet in the air. Sites are required to provide safeguards like guardrails and restraint systems, but unfortunately, they’re some of the most common reasons for OSHA violations.

Guardrails fall into disrepair without proper maintenance, and restraint system protocols become lax and lead to unsafe use. Please ensure that all fall safeguards are up to code and that all workers using restraint systems are attached appropriately. One false step can be the difference between life and death for a worker.

Scaffolding Erection & Maintenance

Scaffolding and the construction industry are closely linked, especially in densely populated cities where people frequently walk by or underneath them. Ensuring safe scaffolding construction and maintenance is crucial for the safety of both workers and bystanders. However, there are safer alternatives to scaffolding. For instance, Aerial Lift Rental provides an efficient and secure option for reaching smaller high-area work projects, enhancing safety and flexibility on construction sites.

Due to budget or time restrictions, scaffolding errors and violations are typical; they’re erected improperly or not maintained well, leading to malfunctions or even failure. Don’t rush or overlook the importance of scaffolding—it’s an easy way to earn an OSHA violation and fine and can injure workers or pedestrians.

These are some of the most common safety mistakes on a construction site, but there are plenty more. Many of these mistakes follow the same pattern, typically due to shortsightedness, negligence, or time constraints.

Keep an eye out for these hazards and violations, emphasize safety protocols, and educate your workers about workplace safety to ensure your site isn’t a location for workplace injuries.