Construction sites are full of risks, from towering scaffolds to heavy machinery, and every year, tens of thousands of construction workers get hurt on the job.
Many of these accidents are preventable, which is why smart health and safety planning is essential. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards, but keeping workers safe goes beyond compliance: It requires foresight, training, and practical precautions.
In this guide, I break down construction safety hazards, the best practices for preventing accidents, and actionable tips to create a safer, healthier work environment.
Key Takeaways
- Construction is high-risk, and hazards like falls, electrical accidents, and caught-in between/struck-by incidents remain the leading causes of injuries and fatalities.
- Prevention is possible with proper training, equipment, and site-specific safety plans.
- Meeting legal requirements protects workers and shields companies from costly fines and legal action.
- Regular inspections, open communication, and a safety-first mindset build long-term protection for teams and projects.
Top Jobsite Hazards in Construction
Preventing accidents starts with knowing what to watch out for. These are the top construction site hazards, plus common causes and prevention tips.
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, making up more than 1 in 3 construction deaths in 2023, according to OSHA.
Common causes
- Unprotected edges on roofs or floor openings.
- Incorrect use of ladders or scaffolding.
- Absence of fall protection systems when working at heights.
Prevention tips
- Install guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.
- Inspect and properly set up all ladders and scaffolding before use.
- Provide thorough fall protection training and enforce safety protocols consistently.
Struck-by/Caught-in-between hazards
Struck-by and caught-in-between incidents are leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on construction sites. According to OSHA, they account for 2 of the industry’s “Fatal Four” hazards, often resulting in crushed limbs, broken bones, or death.
Common causes
- Being struck by moving vehicles, machinery, or falling objects.
- Getting caught between heavy equipment and fixed structures.
- Collapses of trenches, scaffolding, or walls.
Prevention tips
- Train workers to maintain safe distances from moving equipment and wear high-visibility PPE.
- Install protective barriers, guards, and signage around hazardous areas.
- Provide proper trench shoring, bracing, and safe entry/exit points.
Electrical hazards
Electricity is one of the most dangerous hazards on construction sites, often resulting in shocks, burns, and even fatalities. According to OSHA, electrocution is among the “Fatal Four” causes of death in construction, responsible for nearly 9% of all industry fatalities.
Common causes
- Contact with overhead or buried power lines.
- Faulty or damaged electrical tools and cords.
- Improper grounding or overloaded circuits.
Prevention tips
- De-energize and clearly mark power lines before work begins.
- Inspect and maintain all electrical tools and cords regularly.
- Train workers in electrical safety and enforce lockout/tagout procedures.
Weather-related hazards
Extreme weather conditions pose serious risks on construction sites, from heatstroke and hypothermia to slips and equipment malfunctions.
Common causes
- Working in extreme heat or cold without proper protection.
- Slippery surfaces from rain, ice, or snow.
- Sudden storms or high winds affecting equipment and materials.
Prevention tips
- Monitor weather forecasts and adjust schedules when necessary.
- Provide appropriate protective clothing and hydration for extreme temperatures.
- Secure tools, materials, and equipment during storms and maintain safe walking surfaces.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) gaps
Despite being a cornerstone of construction safety, PPE compliance remains a significant challenge. Studies indicate that only 64% of construction workers use PPE properly, and a staggering 70% of fall incidents involve a lack of PPE.
Common causes
- Lack of proper PPE training and awareness.
- Improperly fitted or uncomfortable equipment.
- Worker resistance or negligence in using PPE.
Prevention tips
- Implement comprehensive PPE training programs.
- Ensure PPE is properly fitted and comfortable.
- Foster a safety culture that encourages consistent PPE use.
Improper lifting and ergonomic strain
Muscle strains and back injuries are common in construction, often caused by repetitive movements, awkward postures, or lifting heavy materials incorrectly. According to OSHA, overexertion from lifting, pushing, or pulling is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in the industry.
Common causes
- Lifting heavy objects without proper support.
- Repetitive bending, twisting, or reaching.
- Poor posture during manual tasks.
Prevention tips
- Train workers on safe lifting techniques and posture.
- Use mechanical aids such as hoists, dollies, or forklifts.
- Rotate tasks and encourage regular breaks to reduce repetitive strain.
Machinery accidents
Construction machinery can be life-saving, but it also poses serious risks if not used properly. Beyond the struck-by or caught-in-between hazards mentioned earlier, machinery accidents also cover risks like rollovers, entanglement in moving parts, amputations from unguarded equipment, and unexpected startups (when equipment isn’t properly locked/tagged out).
Heavy equipment like cranes, forklifts, and power tools are involved in a significant portion of workplace injuries and fatalities.
Common causes
- Operating equipment without proper training.
- Lack of machine guards or safety devices.
- Neglecting maintenance or ignoring warning signs.
Prevention tips
- Ensure all operators are fully trained and certified.
- Install and maintain machine guards and safety features.
- Conduct regular equipment inspections and enforce safety procedures consistently.
Chemical hazards
Construction sites often expose workers to harmful chemicals such as solvents, adhesives, paints, and asbestos. Prolonged or accidental exposure can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, poisoning, or long-term illnesses like cancer.
Common causes
- Inadequate ventilation when working with hazardous substances.
- Improper storage, handling, or labeling of chemicals.
- Lack of protective equipment during mixing, spraying, or cleanup.
Prevention tips
- Require proper PPE, including respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
- Ensure chemicals are labeled, stored, and disposed of correctly.
- Provide adequate ventilation or use exhaust systems in confined spaces.
- Train workers on hazard communication (HazCom) and safe handling procedures.
Construction Safety Best Practices
Preventing accidents requires more than rules. It requires smart, proactive safety practices that everyone follows.
Conduct regular safety training
Construction safety training is one of the most effective ways to reduce accidents on construction sites. Workers need ongoing refreshers on hazard awareness, proper equipment use, and emergency response, not just a 1-time orientation.
Regular training sessions keep safety top of mind, ensure compliance with OSHA standards, and help new and experienced employees stay sharp, creating a culture where safe practices become second nature.
Did You Know?
Connecteam’s employee training app lets workers complete mobile-friendly courses anytime, anywhere. Managers can assign lessons on construction safety topics and track progress instantly.
Create site-specific safety plans
Every construction site comes with unique risks, which means a one-size-fits-all safety program isn’t enough.
Developing site-specific safety plans ensures hazards are identified early and addressed before work begins.
These plans should include risk assessments, emergency procedures, PPE requirements, and clear communication protocols tailored to the site’s conditions. By customizing safety strategies to each project, managers can prevent accidents, keep workers informed, and stay compliant with OSHA standards.
Pro Tip
Create checklists for each construction site to ensure compliance with all safety standards. You can use construction software like Connecteam to create digital forms and checklists for each project, and workers can fill these out on their phones while on site. Later, this documentation can serve as an audit trail.
Learn more about Connecteam’s Digital Forms & Checklists!
Hold frequent safety inspections and audits
Regular safety inspections are one of the most effective ways to catch hazards before they cause accidents. Audits go a step further by evaluating whether safety protocols and compliance measures are being followed consistently across the site.
Together, inspections and audits create accountability, highlight gaps in training or equipment, and ensure that OSHA requirements are met. By making them a routine part of every project, construction companies can build safer worksites and reduce costly incidents.
What to include in inspections and audits:
- Check PPE availability and proper usage.
- Inspect tools, machinery, and electrical systems for defects.
- Review fall protection systems and scaffolding stability.
- Ensure walkways and work areas are clear of hazards.
Encourage a safety-first culture
The most effective safety programs go beyond rules and equipment. They build a mindset where safety comes first in every decision.
Whether you’re just starting your construction business or growing and scaling one, create a safety-first culture. A safety-first culture empowers workers to speak up about hazards, follow procedures consistently, and look out for one another on site.
Brian Hval, a safety manager, said on Quora, “The best practices for construction safety are useless without a serious commitment to safety.”
When safety becomes part of the company’s values, it reduces accidents, boosts morale, and creates a stronger sense of accountability across the team.
How to build a safety-first culture
- Show leadership commitment by modeling safe behavior.
- Create open channels for workers to report hazards without fear.
- Recognize and reward safe practices consistently.
- Provide regular feedback and encourage team involvement in safety planning.
- Make safety part of onboarding and ongoing training programs.
- Keep safety documentation highly accessible to all workers.
Did You Know?
You can ensure every team member stays up to date on safety protocols by keeping them in a company knowledge base that workers can access anywhere, anytime from their mobile phones.
Legal Requirements and OSHA Compliance
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions across industries, including construction.
OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards, while also providing training, outreach, and guidance. For construction companies, complying with OSHA regulations is a legal requirement.
Overview of OSHA construction standards
OSHA has established clear construction standards that serve as the foundation for workplace safety:
- General duty clause: Employers must maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious harm.
- Construction-specific regulations (29 CFR Part 1926): These detailed standards outline requirements for common construction activities, including fall protection, scaffolding, electrical work, trenching, and handling hazardous materials.
- Recordkeeping requirements: Employers must log work-related injuries and illnesses using OSHA Form 300, and post an annual summary with Form 300A (here are OSHA’s forms). These records help track safety trends and ensure transparency.
Key legal responsibilities for employers
OSHA places clear responsibilities on construction employers to ensure worker safety and compliance:
- Maintain a safe work environment free from recognized hazards. This includes identifying risks, implementing control measures, and ensuring work areas remain safe throughout the project.
- Supply appropriate PPE and ensure it fits properly. Provide training on how to use it and handle site-specific hazards in a language workers understand.
- Comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard by informing workers about chemical hazards. This includes maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS), proper labeling, and training employees on safe handling procedures.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Not following OSHA requirements can be costly for construction companies, both financially and legally. Penalties vary depending on the nature of the violation, but they underscore why prevention is always better than neglect.
Fines and citations
OSHA issues fines for safety violations, which can add up quickly depending on the severity of the hazard. Even a single overlooked issue, like missing guardrails or faulty PPE, can result in significant penalties.
Did You Know?
As of January 15, 2025, OSHA can fine up to $16,550 per violation for serious or other-than-serious infractions—and up to $165,514 for willful or repeated violations.
Harsher penalties for repeat or willful violations
Employers who knowingly ignore safety standards or repeat the same violations face much harsher consequences. These can include 6-figure fines and, in extreme cases, criminal charges.
Legal action, business disruptions, and more
Beyond OSHA citations, companies may also face lawsuits, project delays, and workers’ compensation claims following an incident.
FAQs
What are safety precautions in construction?
Safety precautions in construction are the protective measures taken to prevent accidents and injuries on site. They include wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), following OSHA regulations, securing scaffolding and ladders, marking hazards clearly, and conducting regular safety training.
What are the 5 things of safety?
The 5 essentials of safety are wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), identifying hazards early, providing regular training, using equipment safely, and preparing for emergencies. Together, these practices create a safer construction environment and help prevent accidents before they happen.
What is construction safety?
Construction safety refers to the practices, regulations, and precautions put in place to protect workers, equipment, and the public on construction sites. It involves preventing accidents through proper training, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard identification, and compliance with standards like OSHA’s regulations.