Common Site Hazards
Small hazards can lead to serious accidents.
Construction sites contain many hazards beyond those related to working at height, electricity and machinery. Recognizing these risks helps workers understand how accidents can happen and when to raise concerns.
Excavation Hazards
Excavations and trenches can expose workers to serious dangers, including collapsing soil, unprotected edges, underground utilities and nearby moving equipment.
Look for:
- Cracked or unstable excavation edges
- Unprotected trenches and open excavations
- Exposed or unidentified underground services
- Materials or machinery close to excavation edges
Unsafe Lifting Zones
Materials lifted by cranes or other lifting equipment can swing, shift or fall. Workers entering lifting zones may be exposed to serious injury.
Look for:
- Workers beneath suspended loads
- Loads that appear unstable or unbalanced
- People entering restricted lifting zones
- Materials that could fall during lifting
Slips, Trips & Uneven Surfaces
Wet floors, loose cables, scattered materials and uneven ground can cause workers to slip, trip or fall. Even a small obstruction can lead to a serious injury.
Look for:
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Loose cables across walkways
- Scattered tools and construction debris
- Uneven ground, unexpected openings or damaged walking surfaces
Falling Materials
Tools, construction materials and debris can fall from elevated work areas, unstable stacks or poorly secured loads.
Workers below may be injured even if they are not involved in the activity above.
Look for:
- Unsecured tools or materials at height
- Unstable stacks of bricks, blocks or other materials
- Debris near edges or openings
- People working beneath overhead activities
Quick Common Site Hazards Check
☐ Are excavation edges protected, and is the ground around them stable?
☐ Are suspended loads and lifting danger zones clear of workers?
☐ Are walkways free from loose cables, scattered materials and other obstructions?
☐ Are materials and tools secured against falling from heights?
☐ Are materials stacked safely and kept away from edges and openings?
☐ Have any new or changing hazards around the work area been identified?
A hazard does not have to look dramatic to be dangerous.
Learn to recognize unsafe conditions, keep away from uncontrolled risks, and report them before someone gets hurt.
SPOT THE HAZARD. KEEP CLEAR. REPORT IT.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS SAFETY
Learn | Prevent | Protect
