What causes the most UK construction site fatalities?
November 08, 2023The most common causes of UK construction site fatalities are:
- Falls from height: This is the leading cause of construction site fatalities in the UK, accounting for around 40% of all deaths. Falls from height can occur from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and other elevated surfaces.
- Struck by moving object: This is the second most common cause of construction site fatalities in the UK, accounting for around 23% of all deaths. Workers can be struck by moving objects such as vehicles, machinery, and falling materials.
- Trapped by something collapsing or overturning: This is the third most common cause of building site fatalities in the UK, accounting for around 9% of all deaths. Workers can be trapped by collapsing trenches, walls, and other structures.
These three causes account for over 70% of all construction site fatalities in the UK.
Other causes of UK construction site fatalities include:
- Contact with moving machinery: This accounts for around 5% of all deaths.
- Electrocution: This accounts for around 2% of all deaths.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: This accounts for around 1% of all deaths.
- Fires and explosions: This accounts for around 1% of all deaths.
- Vehicle accidents: This accounts for around 1% of all deaths.
- Violence: This accounts for around 0.5% of all deaths.
It is important to note that these are just the most common causes of UK construction site fatalities. Any hazard on a construction site has the potential to cause a fatality. It is important to identify and control all hazards on construction sites to prevent deaths and injuries.
Here are some ways to reduce the risk of construction site fatalities:
- Provide adequate training to workers on safety procedures.
- Ensure that workers are wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Use engineering controls to reduce hazards, such as guardrails to prevent falls from height.
- Have a system in place for identifying and reporting hazards.
- Regularly inspect the worksite for hazards.
- Have a plan in place for responding to emergencies.
By following these tips, you can help to establish a safer work environment for everyone on your construction site.