Working in the construction industry is risky. This is because construction workers are prone to injuries on the job and being exposed to hazardous materials, and even fatal accidents that occur due to errors made by other construction workers. As a result, construction workers need to pass many tests like the test for CSCS and undergo a lot of training. This way, construction workers will be able to make an effort to guarantee their safety.
Despite the risks that accompany this occupation, being a construction worker can be satisfying and fulfilling. After all, construction workers are skilled individuals who are tasked to build residential and commercial establishments. Therefore, they are essential to the development of society.
Risks in Construction Work
To be a construction worker means being exposed to risks regularly. However, working in the construction industry is not that bad. Construction work may be considered risky for some people, but it’s also safe when necessary precautions are taken. Below are the most common risks for construction workers:
– being exposed to different working conditions: Construction workers have no say about the working conditions. But they can choose to work on a better job site or find another company or business that offers more benefits and perks so that they won’t need to worry about being exposed to extreme conditions.
However, most construction workers are left with no choice but to endure different working conditions. After all, projects depend on clients, and construction workers are versatile enough to work on residential and commercial projects.
– being injured on the job: Construction work comes with a risk of being injured. Workers need to wear the right protective gear and know what safety precautions to take when working on different projects like construction, drilling, or demolition. This way, construction workers will be able to avoid being injured on the job.
– being distracted: Construction workers are often too focused on their work to notice when a potentially dangerous situation is developing right in front of them. This can lead to an unfortunate accident such as being hit by machinery or getting caught up in construction material. All construction workers need to be constantly aware of their surroundings so that they can avoid being injured or getting into accidents.
Sure, staying focused is important. However, construction workers need to be vigilant so that they can always be aware of their surroundings. This way, they can take necessary precautions when needed.
– being exposed to hazardous substances: Construction workers are in constant contact with different chemicals which may be harmful to their health. These chemicals include asbestos, lead paint, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), mold, and coal dust. Therefore, construction workers also need to take extra precautions when handling these substances to prevent health complications from developing.
Construction workers are always mandated to wear safety equipment so that they can protect themselves from being injured. Construction workers who fail to don the right equipment are more likely to incur injuries or get into accidents. Construction workers always need to be extra careful all the time.
– being exposed to extreme temperatures: The weather is unpredictable, meaning construction workers are usually exposed to extreme temperatures. For example, a construction worker might have started the day working under the heat of the sun. After lunch, the rain started to pour heavily, and construction workers become drenched and uncomfortable.
Most of the time, construction workers are expected to ignore extreme temperatures and continue their work. Even if this is possible, construction workers still need to think about their health and well-being. Therefore, they need to consider working conditions and determine whether the working conditions they are working with will not compromise their health in any way.
– being exposed to accidents: Construction workers are always at risk of being involved in an accident. There’s a chance that they may get hurt while working in high places or being around heavy machinery. Injuries can also occur when construction equipment malfunctions because of slips, trips, falls down a flight of stairs, etc. Therefore, construction workers need to make more effort to protect themselves, especially when they know that being exposed to these types of accidents can compromise their health and well-being.
Being a Construction Worker
Working in the construction industry exposes a construction worker to a lot of risks. These workers could face extreme weather conditions and risks of accidents. Therefore, construction workers need to make more effort to protect themselves by getting proper training and being extra vigilant when working on-site. This way, they can avoid being exposed to accidents such as getting hurt from falling off of an incomplete structure, being hit by a falling object, or being exposed to toxic substances.
