Blog Post

Most Common Risks and Hazards When Working on Additions in Cedar Falls

Jessica Orozco • Mar 05, 2019
Construction; Risks; Hazards

“In 2016/17, construction was found to be the main industry for fatal injuries to workers. Construction hazards are heavily dependent on the type of construction work that is being carried out” (High Speed Training). The top ten risks and hazards from working on construction sites and areas related to home or business additions in Cedar Falls include:

Working at Height-The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that just a fear year ago more than 25% of worker fatalities on construction sites were cause by a fall from height. This put working at height as the most common cause of fatal injuries to workers. There are many federal and state-based laws governing safety protocols and proper training guidelines to ensure employees are well prepared and protected while doing their job.

Moving Objects- A construction site is a complex and ever-changing environment to work in, which makes it even more risky and hazardous and something is always new and different in terms of where things are located and what environmental hazards there may be. There are many moving objects commonly encountered on construction sites. Both driving these vehicles and being in the neighboring areas can pose a safety risk if something goes wrong.

Slips, Trips, and Falls-“Slips and trips are the most common non-fatal workplace-related injury reported each year, constituting approximately 40% of all reported injuries. Within the construction industry, HSE reports that there are several thousand workers injured on site each year, with approximately 1,000 of those ending up with a dislocated joint or fractured bone…most of the time, hazards are easily avoided” (NBS).

Noise- Construction work often times is extremely noisy and, as a result, noise is a common construction hazard and it can have a huge impact on the worker who are exposed to it day in and day out all day long. Loud, repetitive, and excessive noise causes long term hearing problems, such as deafness. It is the employer’s responsibility to check for and make note of noise hazards and to provide appropriate PPE to employees if needed.

Asbestos- Asbestos refers to a set of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals many that re used in insulation and various construction materials. Airborne asbestos fibers are still a major risk to people’s health and when asbestos gets disturbed in some way it can be released into the air where it can be breathed in. Any activity that disturbs the material containing the fibers- like demolition and construction projects- may release asbestos into the air.

Contact Us Today to Stay Safe While Working on Additions in Cedar Falls. To learn more about the risks and hazards that exist on a construction site and how they can impact your health, give us a call. It is possible for additions in Cedar Falls to be done safely, if you know what you need to do! Call us now to get started!

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