The most common accidents & injuries in construction

One of the most dangerous areas to work in is construction. If you work on a construction site there are many potential hazards and numerous ways you could have an injury or accident while at work. 

Here, National Accident Helpline takes a look at the most common construction accidents and what you can do if you, unfortunately, experience an accident at work.

Slips and trips are the most common reasons a construction site worker may experience an injury or accident while at work. Surfaces are often slippery and there may be holes in the ground and cables may be loose causing workers to fall

However, injuries due to slips and falls on construction sites can be prevented. This can be done by, for example:

• keeping pathways clear
• reporting dangers
• being wary of what is around you 
• wearing suitable boots
• cleaning spillages when they occur
• moving objects that are causing a trip hazard

When you work in the construction industry there is an increased risk you may fall from a height. In fact, it is one of the most common accidents in the construction industry. 

You often find and use ladders and scaffolding on construction sites and falls from height can cause serious injuries such as broken bones and can even cause brain injuries, spinal injuries or death.

Ways to prevent falls from height include:

• checking ladders and scaffolding for safety frequently
• not overbearing ladders
• fitting handrails on ladders and scaffolding
• using safety harnessing
• wearing your helmet
• Using fall protection systems, for example, guardrails, canopy structures or toe boards
• carry out a risk assessment

Falls from heights in the construction industry are one of the fatal four categories of injury.

A typical accident in construction work is due to defective machinery or equipment. Workers in the construction industry regularly use machinery and equipment such as jackhammers and power tools. 

Defective or incorrectly used equipment and machinery can cause, for example:

• lacerations
• cuts
• broken bones
• paralysis
• death

Equipment and machinery should be only used by those trained to use it. Also, your employer should ensure that both are checked for safety and defects. 

Accidents and injuries in the construction industry can happen due to an object falling from a height. This can occur due to, for example, tools falling or other types of building materials or even parts of scaffolding. Injuries from falling objects can be reduced by:

• using warning signs near areas such as scaffolding where objects may fall from
• wearing hard hats
• avoiding walking in areas where objects may fall 

Falling material injuries in the construction industry are one of the fatal four categories of injury. Injuries from falling materials and objects can range from a minor cut to a brain injury. 

Working on a construction site often includes manual labour such as carrying bricks and moving heavy materials such as sand and cement. It is common to experience injuries from manual handling such as back and neck injuries. Back and spinal cord injuries are one of the common injuries construction workers may experience. 

To reduce the risk of injury or accident for manual work, workers should lift using the correct techniques which employers should train them in. 

When working on a construction site it can be extremely noisy so you could suffer an injury to your hearing such as losing hearing or tinnitus, particularly if you have been working in extreme noise for some time. The risk of hearing problems can be reduced if you use ear defenders which are a form of PPE.

Vibration in construction work can also cause workers injuries. Workers may have to use vibrating power tools regularly and for prolonged periods. This can cause pain to nerves and tendons, for example:

• Vibration White Finger VWF)
• Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Nerve and tendon damage to the hands can result in amputation or paralysis. 

Ground collapses and collapsing trenches are common accidents in construction. The use of trenches and excavations means that the ground can become unstable. Because of this, you must ensure you have the right protective clothing when working on site. 

Accidents caused by a ground collapse can result in a person:

• being crushed from the dirt
• getting hit by tools

A very common workplace accident on construction sites is electrocution. Electrocutions in the construction industry are one of the fatal four categories of injury. Construction sites are prone to containing wiring and power lines and workers will often lay cables. Wires are often exposed and electrical work is left incomplete. There is also the risk that the electrical equipment is not used correctly or is not working correctly. 

Electrocutions can be very serious and result in:

• serious burns
• electric shock
• death

To help avoid electrocution, live wires should not be left unattended and employees should be trained about electric risks. Only qualified workers should be installing electrical items and should have electrical testing equipment when doing so. 

Over-exertion is a common reason why accidents and injuries in construction occur. Accidents due to overexertion can cause muscle strains. Fatigue can cause accidents, particularly where workers are exposed to the sun. Exposure to  the sun can cause injuries such as:

• dehydration
• fainting
• stroke.

A repetitive repetitive strain injury is a common injury for those working on construction sites. Unlike typically reported repetitive strain injuries to the wrist and neck which can occur through office work, in the construction industry injury often affects the back socks more seriously.  

When vehicles, such as steamrollers and bulldozers, are used on construction sites it is different from the road as there are no set road layouts. Therefore, accidents from moving vehicles are unfortunately common. Drivers are often distracted and can sometimes speed. 

These accidents can be prevented by, for example:

• carrying out a risk assessment regarding their use
• ensuring drivers are qualified for the vehicle they use
• providing regular training
• following rules
• using warning signs
• Ensuring vehicles have warning indicators such as horns
• banning vehicles from reversing
• wearing high-vis equipment.

If you do experience a workplace accident on a construction site, this is what you should do:

• deal with your injury by seeking the relevant level of medical help
• note who witnessed the accident as you may need evidence later from them
• take photos of your injury
• let your manager know you are injured and how

If you have an accident at work you may be able to claim compensation for it so it is important to get all the evidence you can.

^{Last updated 03.05.23}