1. White Card Update: Most Common Injuries on Construction
Sites
Some of the most common causes of injury on a construction site involves falling hazards,
electrical hazards, working with cranes and machinery and working from scaffolding.
Falling Hazard
The most common occurrence of incidents on construction sites involve workers falling
according to statistics provided by authorities. This type of hazard also causes the most serious
injuries. Extreme caution must be administered when working from a height, especially a height
higher than 2 meters. Workers need to be aware of their surroundings and take note and
caution of slippery boards on scaffolds and walkways, missing guardrails, openings in floors and
penetrations that are not correctly protected. Report all openings or missing railings so they can
be corrected as soon as possible.
Relating to the hazard of falling is the issue of scaffolding work. When working from heights
cannot be eliminated, the use of scaffolding is necessary. To comply with the applicable
scaffolding regulations, all persons erecting or altering scaffold must be competent and certified
to do so.
All scaffolds must be erected in compliance with statutory regulations and such scaffold and
accessories must conform to regulations. Any damaged planks must be removed, kickboards
must be secured in place and guardrails installed.
Mobile scaffolds present their own hazards, in that they are frequently used and must be
erected as per regulations. They should be fitted with wheel locks which must be in place
whenever people are working on the scaffold so that it doesn’t roll causing a fall.
All scaffolds should have an internal ladder for access. Climbing of scaffolding standards should
not be allowed and tools and equipment should not be left lying around unattended on scaffolds
as they present a tripping hazard , which can be compounded by a fall from a height.
Personal Protective Equipment in the form of Safety helmets must be worn at all times when
working from a scaffold. Workers must be provided with a safety helmet which must be worn at
all times.
Electrical Hazard
The occurrence of electrocutions on construction sites is a prevalent danger that requires
attention. This is a hazard that can be minimised if workers follow the correct safety and
preventative procedures as most cases of electrocution are caused by a form of negligence.
As far as electrical installations are concerned on sites a qualified electrician must carry out all
repairs to equipment and electrical installations, including repair and replacement.
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2. The basic rules to remember are to keep electrical leads off the ground and on stands and do
not hang leads from scaffolding. Do not use double adaptor fittings or overload adaptors.
Replace all damaged leads, wiring, equipment or installation and report faults immediately.
During rainy weather covers must be provided for equipment exposed to the elements, if covers
cannot be provided then equipment must not be used as electrocution can result.
Workers should not touch wires or cords that they are unfamiliar with especially if they don’t
know whether it is live or not.
Explosive-Powered Tools
The very nature of this tool makes it a hazard. These tools use an explosive charge to fire
fixings into concrete, steel and timber, and like a firearm they are potentially lethal. These can
only be operated by trained persons, who are wearing the correct safety glasses and hearing
protection. Signs must be placed in the area of operation of this equipment to warn passers-by
of the danger they present. These tools should not be left unguarded and especially not in a
loaded condition. All explosive-powered tools must be inspected and maintained on a regular
basis as all machinery should be. They should be locked away when not in use, they are
dangerous and are a loaded weapon in the wrong hands.
Cranes
Just last week another worker was crushed by a crane on a construction site. This occurrence is
only too common of late. It is important that only authorised certificated operators will be
permitted to operate cranes. Crane Operators and Doggers must work in close terms with each
other, each should know what the other is doing, and they need to co-operate and communicate
in order to avoid dangerous situations. Crane Doggers should be directing crane operators only.
Irresponsible behaviour m,ust be avoided such as riding the load which is strictly prohibited.
Slings, ropes and chains are to be checked on a daily basis and monitored for any signs of
wear. Workers must keep their hands clear of pinch points and away from slings on loads, as
they can easily become caught. Loads must be correctly slung and workers should never stand
under loads, this is another reason workers get crushed by the load. Crane and mobile
machinery operators must check clearance of electrical power lines when setting up or
operating as the danger of electrocution is very prevalent. Any defects with cranes, machinery
and associated gear must be reported to those in charge immediately.
By following a few simple rules, workers on construction sites can minimise the risks associated
with this dangerous work. White Card and Site specific training is the most important tools in the
arsenal of construction employers in ensuring that their workers are aware of the hazards and
know how to respond to them successfully.
Posted by Peter Cutforth
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