Top health and safety risks in construction — and how to prevent them
Below are the most common hazards on Irish construction sites, along with proven measures to control and prevent them.
1. Working at height
Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal accidents in construction. Common causes include unsafe scaffolding, misuse of ladders, incomplete platforms, missing guardrails, or insufficient fall protection.
Prevention:
- Use properly erected and inspected scaffolds
- Install guardrails, toe boards, and edge protection
- Ensure MEWP operators receive accredited training
- Avoid ladder shortcuts; use towers or platforms whenever possible
- Factor in weather conditions before starting work
2. Moving vehicles and heavy machinery
Dumpers, forklifts, excavators, telehandlers, and other plant machinery pose serious dangers to pedestrians — particularly on busy or poorly designed sites.
Prevention:
- Design clear one-way systems and exclusion zones
- Use banksmen, cameras, and mirrors to support visibility
- Conduct daily vehicle checks and enforce strict speed limits
- Ensure all operators are certified and refreshed regularly
3. Machinery, tools, and equipment hazards
Tools and equipment are vital for productivity, but if misused or poorly maintained, they can cause lacerations, crush injuries, amputations, and long-term health effects.
Prevention:
- Maintain tools and machinery through scheduled checks
- Use guards, interlocks, and emergency stops
- Provide task-specific training and PPE
- Remove damaged or unsafe tools from service
4. Manual handling and ergonomic strain
Carrying heavy loads, awkward lifting positions, and repetitive tasks often cause musculoskeletal injuries — one of the most common non-fatal injury types in construction.
Prevention:
- Use mechanical aids (hoists, trolleys, cranes)
- Break loads into smaller components
- Rotate workers between tasks
- Train workers in safe lifting and early reporting of symptoms
5. Excavation and ground-related risks
Trenches and excavations can suddenly collapse, especially when ground conditions are unstable or unsupported. Buried services present extra risk.
Prevention:
- Assess soil conditions before excavation
- Use trench boxes, shoring, or battering
- Accurately locate buried services
- Maintain supervision and prohibit entry to unsupported trenches
6. Electrical hazards
Live cables, temporary wiring, power tools, and exposed connections raise the risk of shocks, burns, and fires.
Prevention:
- Use 110V tools where possible
- Visually inspect cables and equipment daily
- Keep electrical work to certified, competent persons
- Ensure RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are functioning correctly
7. Hazardous substances (dust, fumes, chemicals)
Construction dust — particularly silica dust from concrete cutting — can lead to long-term respiratory illness. Adhesives, solvents, fuel, and cleaning agents also pose risks.
Prevention:
- Use dust extraction and water suppression
- Provide and fit-test RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment)
- Conduct COSHH assessments and store chemicals safely
- Maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
8. Noise and vibration
High noise levels can damage hearing, and prolonged use of vibrating tools may cause HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome).
Prevention:
- Carry out noise/vibration assessments
- Use hearing protection and anti-vibration gloves
- Rotate workers on high-vibration tools
- Maintain tools to reduce vibration output
9. Psychosocial risks and fatigue
Pressure, long hours, tight deadlines, and physical demands increase fatigue and stress — both of which raise the risk of accidents.
Prevention:
- Promote reasonable scheduling and breaks
- Monitor fatigue levels in safety-critical roles
- Train supervisors to identify stress indicators
- Encourage open communication and well-being support
From risk to resilience: fostering a proactive safety culture
Engineering controls and procedures are essential — but behaviour determines whether those controls succeed in practice. A proactive safety culture develops when leaders clearly set expectations, workers feel empowered to act, and communication flows freely among teams and subcontractors.
When people understand why safety is important and feel supported rather than policed, safer decisions and improved performance naturally follow.
Turning awareness into action
Construction always involves elevated risks, but with strong leadership, skilled workers, and a proactive safety culture, these risks can be managed effectively. When teams feel supported and well-informed, they communicate better, work more confidently, and contribute to safer, more efficient sites.
How NFP can help
At NFP, we assist construction businesses across Ireland and the UK in managing risks, enhancing compliance, and fostering a positive safety culture. Our consultants possess extensive sector expertise and adopt a practical approach to training, cultural diagnostics, leadership development, and safety systems that create stronger, safer teams.