Winter work hazards: Construction sites

What are the biggest safety issues on a construction site?

Working on a construction site is one of the most dangerous places to work. There are many safety issues due to the number of hazards present in the construction industry. However, the biggest safety issue is falling from a height. This is because from 2018 - to March 2023, 51% of fatal injuries in the construction industry were due  to a fall from a height. 

There are many ways construction workers may suffer falls from heights such as:

• falling from a roof
• through the use of vertical ladders
• when working on a wind  turbine
• working on below-level walkways

Slips, trips and falls are also a big safety issue as they account for the main reason construction workers sustain non-fatal injuries. Therefore, they are the second biggest safety issue in the construction industry followed by:

• hearing problems
• back injuries
• falling objects

What types of accidents and injuries could occur on a construction site?

Several different types of accidents and injuries could occur on a construction site. Accidents can include:

• slips and trips
• falls from a height
• defective machinery accidents
• equipment accidents
• falling materials
• manual handling accidents
• exposure to noise or vibration
• ground collapsing
• electrocutions 
• over-exertion and fatigue
• repetitive strain injuries 
• accidents with moving vehicles

Typical injuries that can occur on construction sites include:

• bruises
• abrasions
• broken limbs
• cracked ribs
• severe back injuries
• head trauma

How does winter weather affect construction workers? 

The winter weather affects construction workers in a variety of ways. We take a look at some of these below.

Strong winds:

Strong winds are part of winter weather and are a danger for construction workers. They can sustain injuries from debris flying around and the danger of falls from height increases. 

Strong winds cause leaves to fall which can mean construction workers slip or trip.

Freezing temperatures:

Freezing temperatures in the winter can affect construction workers. When temperatures drop, construction workers risk getting hypothermia if they are in the cold for too long. Also, they are exposed to dangers of getting:

• frostbite
• trench boot

Poor lighting:

Poor lighting on construction sites is a typical winter weather danger for construction workers. This is mainly because it stops construction workers from spotting dangers around them. For example, construction workers may:

• slip or trip
• fall from height
• fall on a loose cable

Poor lighting can cause:

• eyestrain
• migraines
• headaches
• Sick Building Syndrome
• poor concentration 
• irritability 
• lethargy
• poor mental health
• stress
• anxiety

Wet or icy roads:

Ice is possibly the most dangerous winter weather risk for construction workers.  Once again it increases the risk of falls from height, which is the most serious safety issue at construction sites. Wet or icy roads are a danger to those operating or driving machinery. 

What should your employer do in winter?

Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe and healthy at work. This means they must do all they reasonably can to keep you safe and well. In winter, dangers in the construction industry can increase. Therefore, your employer must do more to keep you safe on a construction site in winter.  

During the winter weather, your employer must regularly check and clear construction sites to look out for winter weather dangers such as fallen trees and power lines. There are several actions your employer should take in winter when employees are working on construction sites. These include:

• signposting slippery areas, such as those affected by ice
• carrying out workplace safety assessments such as on poor lighting
• provide you with a well-heated break area
• ensure you have the correct PPE
• inspect worksites
• remove ice and snow 
• advise workers to wear layers and warm clothing
• check the winter weather in advance 
• check equipment works
• place salt or sand to help ice melt
• using grit on icy areas
• carry out health-screening questionnaires to be a blet protect vulnerable workers
• ensure any room heaters are not obstacles and that they are not covered
• remove icicles
• ensure vehicles contain emergency kits

When to claim for a construction accident?

It may be possible for you to claim for a construction accident if you suffer an injury while working on the construction site. You may be able to make a compensation claim where the accident you suffered on the construction site was not your fault. For example, your employer may have been negligent by not doing what they can to keep you well and healthy on the construction site, such as by not providing you with adequate training. This means they failed in their legal duty toward you. If your construction site accident happened within the last three years, you may be able to take an accident at work compensation claim. 

An injury or accident in the workplace can have a huge impact on your life. A serious construction site accident at work can even stop you from working completely. It is, therefore, only right that you get the compensation you are owed.

Making a construction accident claim will not change what happened but it can help make life going forward much easier. The money you receive can help with medical costs and any changes not required in your life. Making a compensation claim can also make your employer learn not to make the same mistakes with your colleagues.