7 Tips to reduce Health & Safety risks in construction

The construction industry is widely recognised as one of the most hazardous sectors due to the inherent risks associated with the work. This includes tasks such as working at great heights, operating heavy machinery, and handling substantial loads, all of which can lead to serious accidents if not properly managed.

Given the complexity and unpredictability of these activities, managing risks in construction work becomes essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all personnel on-site.

Today, we’ll explore what Health & Safety risk management is and guide you through seven essential steps for identifying, reducing, and even eliminating common risks in construction.

 

What is Health & Safety risk management in construction?

Effective Health & Safety risk management in construction is not just about compliance with regulations—it’s about creating a proactive safety culture that minimises the potential for harm to workers, visitors, or the public on construction sites.

By identifying, assessing and controlling risks early on, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, improve productivity, and boost the overall reputation of your business. A safety-focused approach encourages workers to follow best practices, remain alert to potential hazards, and contribute to a culture of vigilance and care.

Furthermore, when risks are effectively managed from the get-go, there is less likelihood of delays caused by injuries, legal issues, or disruptions. This not only helps in maintaining timelines but also in reducing the financial impact of accidents, such as insurance costs and compensation claims.

 

Examples of common construction site risks

Construction sites are inherently dangerous. Below are some of the most common Health & Safety risks in construction that need attention to ensure a safer, more productive environment:

  • Falls from height
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Exposure to hazardous materials
  • Electrical hazards
  • Manual handling injuries
  • Asbestos
  • Noise exposure

 

How to reduce Health & Safety risks

Implementing the right Health & Safety measures, such as comprehensive training and appropriate safety gear, can make a world of difference in preventing workplace injuries. Here are 7 crucial steps for reducing and managing risks in construction work:

1. Elimination

The first step in how to reduce risk in construction for any site is to identify potential hazards and minimise risks as far as is reasonably practicable. For instance, is there a way you can complete the task with a different method, or use different materials and/or chemicals to reduce or eliminate the risks? By eliminating hazards at the source this will not only enhance safety but also help create a more efficient, cost-effective work environment.

A few ways you might reduce risk would be:

  • Using extendable tools instead of working at height.
  • Ordering materials pre-cut to size to eliminate risks associated with cutting.
  • Opting for battery-operated equipment to remove trip hazards caused by cords.

2. Substitution

If the risks can’t be removed entirely—something that is often the case in construction—then the next best option is to make substitutions wherever possible to reduce the risks to those involved. This could mean replacing a hazardous material with a safer alternative or using different equipment or methods that are less dangerous. Substituting high-risk elements with safer options can protect workers’ health, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and improve overall safety on the site.

These could be:

  • Replacing ladders with scaffolds.
  • Wearing high visibility jackets to enhance visibility.
  • Substituting hazardous chemicals with non-hazardous chemicals.
  • Having access to the latest equipment.

3. Engineering controls

Another effective method to reduce Health & Safety risks is by using engineering to control the environment you’re working in. These controls can be either permanent solutions for routine tasks or temporary measures for more specialised jobs. Generally, they focus on protecting the collective group of workers, rather than just individuals, which can be more effective in preventing widespread accidents.

These could be:

  • Adding edge protection whilst working at height.
  • Enclosing any equipment or sharp edges.
  • Having extractors, such as LEV’s to remove dust or chemical fumes.

4. Policies & procedures

Health & Safety policies and procedures are not only important to have in place but also critical to making sure that all your staff are well-informed and know how to follow them. These play a key role in reducing the risks of incidents on construction sites by providing clear guidance on how to perform tasks safely and handle hazardous situations.

It is also important to regularly update these policies when procedures change. For example, if a new piece of machinery requires a different set of safety protocols, those updates should be communicated to all relevant staff promptly. Failure to do so can lead to confusion, non-compliance, and increased risk.

Here are some policies and procedures you can implement:

  • Create a one-way traffic system around the site to reduce the risk of collisions between workers, vehicles, and machinery.
  • Limit access to high-risk areas, such as zones where heavy equipment is operating.
  • Enforce rules that prevent workers from performing tasks at height during adverse weather conditions, such as high winds or heavy rain.

5. Supervision

Another way to reduce Health & Safety risks to workers is to make sure that anyone performing hazardous tasks is supervised. The supervisor should have relevant experience and training in the specific area they are overseeing. They can spot potential hazards, make sure tasks are done correctly, and provide guidance. Plus, in the event of an accident, having an experienced supervisor on-site ensures a quick and effective response.

6. Training

It might seem obvious but making sure that all individuals are trained for completing a relevant task is imperative in reducing Health & Safety risks in construction. No one should be asked to perform tasks they are not fully trained or competent in, as this significantly increases the likelihood of mistakes or accidents.

It’s also essential to provide regular, up-to-date training, as construction techniques and safety protocols continually evolve. Refresher courses and new training on emerging equipment or safety standards help workers stay informed and prepared.

7. PPE

Finally, making sure workers have access to the appropriate PPE for each task is essential. Additionally, new equipment should be provided whenever regulations change or better technologies become available.

Individual measures such as PPE should always be explored once all other options are exhausted as they give the least prevention. We all have a responsibility to give our workforce the best protection possible, so implementing collective measures is always better than individual measures.

 

Stay safe and compliant with Smas Worksafe!

Maintaining Health & Safety in construction can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. At Smas Worksafe, we specialise in helping businesses achieve compliance with SSIP packages.

We also offer a range of CITB-approved training courses to help you and your employees understand the quality management responsibilities of a site supervisor or manager. Check out our course offerings below.

All our courses are delivered online, so you can take modules at any time, and at your own pace.

Request a quote today, or why not call us at 01752 281461, where one of our experts will be on hand to offer any guidance and advice for you about services.