6 Common Construction Safety Mistakes

Working in construction means staying active and enjoying the outdoors while seeing the immediate results of your work. However, it's essential to recognize the dangers. Construction is one of the riskiest industries globally.

In the United States, construction has the second highest number of workplace deaths, making up about 18% of all worker fatalities. Even though only 5% of the workforce is in construction, the risk of fatal accidents is much higher for construction workers.

OSHA said approximately 6.5 million people work in construction across over 250,000 sites in the U.S. Even with OSHA regulations in place, accidents can still occur. Recognizing and addressing potential workplace hazards is essential for safeguarding yourself and your team.

This article explores common safety mistakes on construction sites and offers strategies to keep workers safe, including the appropriate use of safety gear. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Failing to Maintain a Clean Site

Not keeping the construction site clean can cause dangers at work and lead to fatal injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration highlights the dangers of having a messy construction site, emphasizing the risks associated with "poor housekeeping".

This typically involves:

Hazards related to tripping and falling
Hazards related to slipping
Hazards related to cutting and puncturing

A clean and orderly site is one of the top priorities for OSHA inspectors, often appearing third on their inspection checklist.

Prevention: Set strict rules for keeping things clean, with regular cleanup schedules and specific places for tools and materials. Encourage workers to keep things tidy and report any dangers right away. Hiring a good cleaning team ensures the site stays neat and organized on time.

2. Ignoring the LOTO Standard

Failing to address faulty equipment can lead to minor or fatal accidents, from cuts with worn-out saws to disregarding lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols. Following LOTO procedures, as outlined by OSHA, could prevent numerous injuries and deaths. LOTO involves properly shutting down, de-energizing, and isolating machinery before maintenance.

A simple lockout device ensures the machine's power stays off, followed by tagging it out to indicate it's non-operational until the tag is removed. Human errors are common, but adhering to safety protocols is crucial to prevent accidents.

Prevention: Always follow LOTO procedures and use appropriate security locks and tags.

construction accident

3. Inadequate Training

A big safety mistake in construction is not giving workers enough training. Accidents are more likely when workers don't know how to use equipment, handle emergencies, or follow basic safety rules.

Attending training for construction machine operators or learning about construction hazards, hearing this isn't what you want. Construction is a tough market, and with deadlines looming, it's tempting to skimp on safety to make a quick profit.

But investing in good training and worker safety can safeguard your profits and even boost them.

Why? Well, OSHA says for every $1 spent on safety programs, employers can save $4 to $6. Accidents cost more than you think, so avoiding them is smart business.Plus, when workers see you value their safety, they're happier and more productive. And that means better work and happier workers.

On average, construction firms spend more on workers' compensation than safety training. It's smarter to invest in prevention than paying for accidents. So, investing in quality training is worth it. Make sure all workers, including those who don't speak English well, understand safety procedures. OSHA requires it, and it's good for business.

Prevention: Ensure thorough training for all new and experienced workers. Keep training materials current to teach everyone the latest safety rules. Hold regular meetings and workshops, and use signs and messages to remind everyone about safety.

4. Ignoring Proper PPE

In any job involving manual labor, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for safety, especially in construction. While specific PPE standards may vary between companies and sites, some practices are universal. For instance, workers at a construction site would typically need to wear hard hats, safety glasses, and reflective vests when near vehicles, with additional gear depending on the hazards present, like hearing protection, gloves, face shields, respiratory gear, and fall protection equipment.

Not enforcing proper PPE puts workers at risk and makes companies responsible for damages. Consider a case where a U.S. construction worker lost an eye after a PVC panel fragment struck him. Although protective eyewear was available, its use wasn't enforced by the site supervisor, resulting in severe injury.

Falls are another major hazard in construction, responsible for a third of all construction site fatalities. OSHA identified key reasons for these falls, including inadequate or absent fall protection equipment, improper ladder use, and lack of fall protection training. Safety harnesses are essential among fall protection equipment. OSHA mandates their proper use, inspection, and calculation of fall distances.

Prevention: Make sure all workers have and wear the proper PPE for their tasks. Check regularly to make sure they follow the rules, and fix any problems right away. If needed, enforce 5-point PPE standards and empower safety teams to ensure everyone follows the rules.

5. Neglecting Equipment Maintenance

Failing to properly maintain construction equipment by neglecting routine inspections and upkeep can result in malfunctions, breakdowns, and potentially hazardous situations on the job site.

Prevention: Implementing a comprehensive maintenance program is essential to ensure the safety of all machinery and tools. Establishing a regular schedule for inspections and maintenance tasks allows for early detection of any issues or wear and tear. Additionally, providing adequate training to workers on equipment maintenance and encouraging them to report any concerns promptly can help prevent accidents and keep operations running smoothly. By prioritizing equipment maintenance, construction companies can minimize downtime, reduce the risk of accidents, and promote a safer work environment for everyone involved.

construction ppe

6. Using Tools Improperly

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps track of injuries involving handling equipment separately. This shows how closely OSHA inspectors watch over equipment use. Construction sites use heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes, and forklifts. Even when these machines work well, they can be risky.

Loading and unloading heavy machinery might seem easy, but it's quite dangerous. It's essential to handle heavy equipment carefully and follow safety rules. The same goes for using hand and power tools. Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Misusing or not taking care of these tools correctly can lead to injuries.

For example:

Don't cut towards yourself with a cutting tool.
Don't force a wrench too hard on a tight screw.
Always use the right tool for the job.
Avoiding these mistakes can really lower the chance of getting hurt. Safety rules and instructions are there for a reason, so always follow them closely to keep safe on the job.

Prevention: Employees must receive thorough training on correctly using hand and power tools, including following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines. Tools should be regularly inspected to make sure they are in good working condition. Additionally, supervisors should emphasize the importance of using tools safely and provide reminders about common mistakes to avoid, such as cutting oneself or using excessive force. By prioritizing proper tool usage and following safety protocols, companies can reduce the potential injuries on the job site.

Recommended Products for Construction Safety

Different workplaces may have specific gear requirements as per OSHA standards. However, it's always a good idea to enhance your safety measures by adding extra protective gear or upgrading to better equipment. Below are some of our top suggestions for construction site safety gear:

High-Visibility Apparel

High-visibility clothing is essential on construction sites, as per OSHA standards. Workers must wear Class 2 or 3 ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 personal protective apparel. This gear enhances visibility, making workers safer in areas with traffic or construction vehicles.

Stop-Lite LED High-Visibility Safety Vests - Available in three sizes: L, XL, and XXL. These vests meet ANSI Class 2 Standards and feature 16 waterproof LED lights for maximum visibility. They ensure a comfortable fit and versatility with adjustable side straps and four functions (Off/On/Fast Flash/Slow Flash). Lightweight, durable, and equipped with a 5-point tear-away design, these vests also include two internal and two external pockets for convenience. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (charger included), they're ready to keep you safe on the job site.
ERB ANSI Retroreflective Strip - Available in White, Hi-Viz Lime, and Hi-Viz Orange. These curved strips are designed to fit safety helmets perfectly. Made with self-adhesive Orafol retroreflective material, they exceed the minimum reflectivity requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107 for high-visibility headwear. Each sheet contains seven strips, measuring 0.5" W x 22" L. Ideal for enhancing visibility and safety on the job site.

Head Protection

Falling from heights and objects dropping are the biggest risks for head injuries at work. Wearing hard hats, helmets, and visors keeps you safe on the job.

Klein Hard Hat —This head protection features a rechargeable headlamp for safety and comfort. It features a secure attachment for the headlamp, breathable padding, and an adjustable fit.
ERB Americana Full Brim - Molded from high-density polyethylene, it offers protection from sun and rain. The Quick-Slide suspension adjusts from sizes 6.5 to 8, ensuring a comfortable fit. Made in the USA, it meets ANSI safety requirements and accommodates chin straps. For added convenience, the moisture-wicking brow pad is removable, washable, and replaceable. With goggle retaining slots on the suspension, this hard hat is SEI-certified and meets ANSI standards. Each carton contains 12 hats.
ERB 901 Bump Cap - Protect your head from lacerations, minor bumps, and bruises in non-certified safety helmet areas. It features a 4-point injection-molded suspension and a moisture-wicking brow pad that's easily removable for washing or replacement.

Safety Eyewear

The CDC reports that over 10,600 eye injuries occur on job sites each year. Common hazards include flying nails, splinters, metal fragments, sharp wire ends, cement dust, sawdust, grit, and chemicals. Protective eyewear shields the eyes from potential harm.

Klein Tools Safety Glasses - These safety glasses offer enhanced coverage with a wide lens and temple design, providing improved protection for the front and sides of the face. They are impact tested to meet ANSI Z87.1+, CSA Z94.3, and MIL-PRF-32432A Clause 3.8.4.1 (Class 1-ballistics fragmentation) standards, ensuring superior impact protection. The scratch-resistant lens is treated for added durability, while the anti-fog coating ensures clear vision, even when wearing dust masks.
SitePro Safety Glasses - These glasses feature lightweight black frames with a durable straight temple design for added comfort. The non-polarized smoke lenses are ideal for reading LCD or GPS devices and are also available in polarized smoke for additional options. The lenses prevent fogging and scratching. They block 99.9% of rays (UVA, UVB, and UVC) and meet ANSI Z87.1+2010 safety standards for impact and projectile protection. The soft, pliable TPR material on the temple tips and nose pads ensures a secure fit throughout wear.
Sellstrom Advantage Series Auto Darkening Welding Helmet - Designed for superior protection and comfort during welding and grinding tasks. This lightweight helmet features solar operation, ensuring extended use without needing for frequent battery changes. With excellent neck and head protection, it offers peace of mind while working in hazardous environments. The helmet is compatible with cartridge respirators and features two independent arc sensors for enhanced safety.

Hearing Protection

According to the CDC, occupational hearing loss ranks among the most frequent work-related injuries. It impacts approximately 22 million workers annually, but hearing protection can prevent it.

ERB 3M Peltor Optime 98 Over-The-Head Earmuffs - These earmuffs feature a sleek black and yellow design and are suitable for most users with their adjustable size. Liquid foam-filled cushions provide long-lasting comfort and a secure seal against noise. With an effective noise reduction rating (NRR) of 25dB, these ear muffs offer protection against noise exposures up to 95dBA. The durable stainless steel headband ensures durability, resisting bending and warping for extended use.
ERB 201 Economy Earmuff - The ideal choice for budget-friendly hearing protection. These lightweight ear muffs feature soft vinyl ear cushions and individually adjustable ear cups for a comfortable fit. With their dielectric design, they provide reliable protection without conducting electricity. The height-adjustable feature ensures they fit head sizes, making them suitable for various users. Offering a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 20dB when used as directed, these ear muffs provide adequate protection against noise exposure.
ERB 251B Ear Muffs with Metal Arms - These ear muffs provide effective hearing protection in noisy environments. They feature metal arms for secure attachment to slotted Americana Full Brim hard hats. The height-adjustable design ensures a customized fit for added comfort. Soft, foam-filled ear cushions offer cushioning and optimal sealing against noise. Please note this product carries a Prop 65 WARNING. Compliant with ANSI S3.19 requirements, these ear muffs are available in both plastic (14865) and metal (14866) options to suit your preferences.

Safety Work Gloves

Typical hand injuries at worksites involve cuts, crushes, detachments, punctures, and fractures. Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor indicate that over 70% of workers who experience such injuries were not wearing protective work gloves.

Klein Work Gloves - Provides superior knuckle and finger protection with PVC guards, these gloves offer exceptional dexterity for holding tools with ease. The padded palms and mesh back ensure comfort during extended wear, while the leather thumb reinforcement enhances durability. With an ergonomic shape and hook-and-loop closure on the cuff strap for a secure fit, these gloves are the perfect choice for various tasks on the job site.
Pyramex Leather Palm Gloves - These gloves offer durability and comfort with an abrasion-resistant genuine leather palm. They feature full TPR impact protection on the thumb, fingers, and knuckles, while the mesh stretch fabric back promotes breathability.

When it comes to staying safe at work, planning ahead is important. Before you start your tasks, take a moment to look around for any dangers and make sure you have the proper safety gear. Safety isn't just about tools—it's about always being aware and ready to protect yourself while you work.