--- title: Common Construction Site Hazards and How to Avoid Them description: Every industry carries a risk of workplace accidents, but construction sites can present dangers that have the potential to lead to serious injury, and in worst case scenarios even death. To help increase the awareness of some of the high-risk situations you might encounter, here are a few common construction site hazards and some suggestions on how to avoid them. image: https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/hubfs/architecture-construction-safety-first-career-PCFNRGK.jpg --- ## TopBar Social [mailto:info@associatedcontractors.net](mailto:info@associatedcontractors.net) ## TopBar Text Over 90 Years of Experience in Construction and Design ## TopBar Phone Contact Phone (814) 724.8200 ## TopBar Email Contact Email Us info@associatedcontractors.net [![Associated Contractors](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/hubfs/AssociatedContractors_August2018/image/logo-1.png)](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/) - [Home](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/) - [Company Info](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/company-info/) - [About Us](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/company-info/) - [Careers](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/careers/) - [Testimonials](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/testimonials/) - [Services](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/) - [Building Green](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/building-green/) - [Construction Management](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/construction-management/) - [Design-Build](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/design-build/) - [General Construction](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/general-construction/) - [Pre-Construction](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/pre-construction/) - [Butler Manufacturing](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/butler-manufacturing/) - [Projects](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/projects/) - Help Material - [ACI Builds](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds) - [Resources](https://info.associatedcontractors.net/construction-resources) - [Newsletter Archive](https://info.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds-archive-page) - [Contact](https://www.associatedcontractors.net/contact-us/) # ACI Builds # Common Construction Site Hazards and How to Avoid Them Posted by [George Ray - Owner, ACI](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds/author/george-ray-owner-aci) on [Apr 03, 2019](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds/construction-hazards) with [0 Comment](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds/construction-hazards#comments-listing) ![architecture-construction-safety-first-career-PCFNRGK](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/hs-fs/hubfs/architecture-construction-safety-first-career-PCFNRGK.jpg?width=600&name=architecture-construction-safety-first-career-PCFNRGK.jpg)   Every industry carries a risk of workplace accidents, but construction sites can present dangers that have the potential to lead to serious injury, and in worst case scenarios even death. To help increase the awareness of some of the high-risk situations you might encounter, here are a few common construction site hazards and some suggestions on how to avoid them. **Falls from working at height** According to the [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/), fatalities from work-related falls rose a startling 26 percent from 2011 until 2016. Most of these falls occurred within the construction industry. When proper fall precautions aren’t put into place, workers are left vulnerable. Site protections such as swing gates and railings are a must while work is happening at certain heights. Make sure you are hooked to an anchor point and are wearing fall protection gear as an extra precaution. If there is a chance you might be working at heights, your employer should also ensure that you undergo training for the equipment, anchoring, and surfaces you will be working on. **Being struck by a moving object** Construction sites are full of equipment that is suspended from above as well as vehicles that have limited vision and are moving on uneven terrain. When on a job site, you are surrounded by things that could present a high risk of bodily harm if an impact is made, so you must be constantly cognizant of the area around you. Wear personal protection equipment (PPE) that covers your face, eyes, and head and stands out, like a high visibility jacket. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and avoid positioning yourself in the path of moving or suspended objects. You can’t control whether or not your coworker is paying attention when operating large equipment, but you can make sure you aren’t in their path if they happen to get distracted and don’t see you. **Slips and trips** Moving around a construction space can be tricky, especially when materials, spills, and uneven terrains can significantly impair mobility. Sometimes cords are left around, wet weather can cause slippery floors, and before you know it your access routes are hazardous. To avoid these slips and trips, make an effort to always keep your workspace decluttered. Throw garbage in assigned waste areas, make sure cords and cable are stored or at high levels during use. Designate walkways when surfaces are uneven, and always wear shoes with a solid grip. **Electrical exposure** From blocked breakers to misused extension cords, the risk of electrocution on a construction site is higher than most people think. Extension cords should be used sparingly and temporarily, and “daisy-chaining” cords (using multiple cords for a single device) is a major no-no. In addition to the tripping hazard discussed above, inappropriate use of extension cords can draw too much electricity from circuits, which can cause overheated wires and potentially start a fire. Take care of your cords, wear PPE, and when in doubt, hold off on handling anything electrical until someone qualified to do so is able to come in and have a look. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your work environment from hazards and injuries on a construction site,  [**contact an expert at ACI today.**](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/contact-us/)   --- ### [![free-resource-download-CTA](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4511514/ffc5fabf-dadf-4a98-98ef-d0e75942886e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4511514/ffc5fabf-dadf-4a98-98ef-d0e75942886e) - [Construction](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds/tag/construction) - [Safety](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds/tag/safety) [![George Ray - Owner, ACI](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/hubfs/AssociatedContractors_August2018/image/George-Ray-Vice-President.jpg)](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds/author/george-ray-owner-aci) Written by [George Ray - Owner, ACI](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds/author/george-ray-owner-aci) George Ray is the owner of ACI and has been working in the construction industry for over 40 years. George has worked in the field in numerous roles including Laborer, Carpenter, Superintendent, as well as office roles including Estimator, Project Manager, Sales, Controller, VP, and President. He has extensive experience with pre-engineered buildings and design build. ## About ACI Builds ACI Builds is a publication for architects, contractors, and anyone interesting in learning more about the construction industry. We will keep you up to date on the latest industry news, code changes, design-build and construction processes. Please subscribe for regular updates or follow us on our social media channels. ### Recent Posts ### Get Updates by Email ### Engage with ACI ## More Resources [![free-roof-system-download-pdf](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4511514/9868051e-9eea-4c6f-b676-e7cf0a161f77.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4511514/9868051e-9eea-4c6f-b676-e7cf0a161f77) [![free-resource-download-CTA](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4511514/ffc5fabf-dadf-4a98-98ef-d0e75942886e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4511514/ffc5fabf-dadf-4a98-98ef-d0e75942886e) Follow us [mailto:info@associatedcontractors.net](mailto:info@associatedcontractors.net) ### About ACI For over 90 years, Associated Contractors Inc., has served our clients with integrity, vision and expertise. We value the reputation that we have achieved through honesty and always doing the right thing. ### Contact Us 182 Westview Dr Meadville, PA 16335 Phone: 814.724.8200 Fax: 814.724.8205 [info(at)associatedcontractors.net](mailto:info@associatedcontractors.net) ### Company - [Home](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/) - [Our Services](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/) - [Company Info](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/company-info/) - [Projects](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/projects/) - [Company News](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/aci-builds) - [Contact Us](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/contact-us/) - [Careers](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/careers/) [![Butler](https://blog.associatedcontractors.net/hubfs/AssociatedContractors_August2018/image/butler-new.png)](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/our-services/butler-manufacturing/) The amazing style, versatility, and affordability of Butler® buildings make them the logical choice for a variety of commercial facilities. © 2020 Copyright Associated Contractors. All rights reserved. - [Privacy Statement](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/privacy-statement/) - [Terms of Use](http://www.associatedcontractors.net/terms-of-use/)