Available Construction & Engineering Safety Courses & NVQs

Construction Design & Management (CDM)

Construction NVQ

COSHH

CPCS

Fire Safety

Legionella & Water Treatment

LOLER

NEBOSH

NRSWA

PASMA Training

The Dangers of Working on Construction Sites

Construction has the potential to be an incredibly dangerous job and there are a lot of risks that workers face on the job site. It is considered the most dangerous land-based industry in Europe, with only the fishing industry being more dangerous.

From electric shocks to fire hazards to falls from a height to nerve damage due to vibration to hearing damage, there is no shortage of ways that a construction worker can hurt themselves on the job. This is why it is absolutely crucial for workers to have the appropriate health and safety training before working on a construction site.

Construction Health and Safety Courses for Labourers, Supervisors & Managers

We offer a range of high quality construction health and safety courses that provide the necessary education for labourers/workers, supervisors and managers. These construction site safety training courses are available in a traditional a classroom setting in towns and cities throughout the UK. Some of the training courses are also available in virtual online (instructor-led) format, e-learning and also distance learning. Whether you want to attend a 1-day Health and Safety Awareness course, 5-day CITB SMSTS, 2-day SSSTS, CCNSG Safety Passport or any other qualification, we can organise the course in a way that is convenient for you.

Some of the Biggest Risks Your Employees Face

  1. Scaffolding – This temporary platform can cause both materials and workers to fall, injuring them and those walking below. It is essential that scaffolds be high quality, secured properly and inspected regularly to prevent falls and injuries on scaffolding.
  2. Hearing Damage – Construction sites are noisy places and many workers face the danger of permanent long term hearing damage. It is important to remove employees from noise hazards if possible and to ensure that they are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  3. Roof Work – This type of work can be very dangerous and a fall from roof height will almost certainly cause serious injury or death. Proper precautions must be in place at all times and no one without the correct working at height training should carry out work on a roof.
  4. Manual Handling – Lifting heavy objects can cause neck, back and spinal damage and can also make it more likely for workers to trip or slip. Make sure that workers follow the correct manual handling procedures.
  5. Electrocution and Fire – Exposed electrical wires can be a hazards, as they are very high voltage. Workers should be trained in how to handle this hazard and work with it safely.
  6. Hazardous Substances – Substances such as primers, adhesives, solvents, wood dust, plastic asbestos and other substances can be toxic when they are touched or inhaled.
  7. Vibration Damage – Construction workers who work with jackhammers, drills or who drive large machinery are at risk for the long term damage of vibration. The vibration of these machines can cause internal damage to the musculoskeletal and central nervous system. Read our post on Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace – what are they and how to avoid them.
  8. Asbestos – Workers who come in contact with asbestos, such as those performing renovations on older buildings, are at risk of a number of lung diseases including mesothelioma. Proper precautions should always be in place whenever asbestos is suspected to be present. Learn about the deadly fibre and what to know about working with Asbestos.

These are just a few of the most common hazards that the average worker faces on a construction site. Often several of these hazards will be present at once, making it very easy for danger to occur. It is crucial for workers to be as informed as possible and to have the appropriate construction site safety training for their particular industry and their level of responsibility.

Why Construction Safety Training is Important

There are a number of reasons why construction health and safety courses and training is very important in the workplace. A safety program will not only create a safer workplace for workers, but it will also improve the firm’s bottom line. Here are some of the reasons why construction safety training is very important:

Reducing the Chance of Death and Injury

There are a number of hazards on a construction site that could cause serious injury or even death to the workers. Learn how to ensure site workers are safe in construction sites. Construction workers are in danger from falls from height, electrocution, malfunctioning machinery, manual handling injuries, fire, poisoning from hazardous substances and many of other hazards as described above. These injuries could be life changing or they could be fatal, which is why it is very important to prevent the chance of death and injury by ensuring that employees are appropriately trained and that health and safety procedures are followed.

Avoiding Property Damage

When workers do not follow correct job procedures there is a higher risk of property damage, which can be very expensive to repair. When your employees are well trained they will be able to use equipment correctly and the likelihood of accidents will be decreased dramatically.

If your employees are working on a construction site without the appropriate and required training, you are opening up your organisation for legal liability. If those workers injure themselves due to a breach of construction health and safety regulations, they will be able to make a claim against you. Without providing them with the necessary training, you will be seen as responsible for what has occurred.

Avoiding Missed Time From Work

When your employees are injured or your equipment is in need of replacement or repair due to an accident, you will need to halt production and the injured person will need to take time off work. This will cause you to get behind on production and it will have a negative effect on your bottom line and team morale.

Improving Employee Morale

Your employees need to know that you care about them and their well-being. You can show them this by investing in high quality construction health and safety training. This will build their skills and let them know that you are investing in them and making sure that they are looked after on the job. Safety training is an investment that will pay off in improved employee morale and loyalty.

There are many different hazards that typically face workers at a construction site. Learn about the health and safety risks specific to the construction industry.

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