Construction sites can be very dangerous for workers and visitors. Heavy equipment, potentially dangerous tools, and weather are just a few of the many things that can make working on a construction site hazardous.

The potentially dangerous nature of construction sites makes it critically important to emphasize safety- especially when using electricity to power light, tools, and more. The more people who are working at a construction site and the larger and taller the project, the greater the danger.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the construction industry employs about 6 percent of the nation’s workforce but accounts for a fifth of all workplace fatalities. The disparity of worker deaths fully affirms that the construction industry is very dangerous, and electrical accidents are the third leading cause of worker fatalities. In 2020, more than 1,000 workers died in construction-site accidents.

The high death rate makes construction one of the deadliest for workers, and it employs more than 11 million people. The construction industry also results in many tens of thousands of worker injuries every year.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says more than 174,000 construction workers suffered workplace injuries in 2020. About 130,000 of those injured workers had to take time off of work to obtain medical care and recover from their injuries. Some basic precautions when working with or near electrical systems could help to lower those numbers by a significant amount.

Common Causes of Construction Site Fatalities and Injuries

Working relatively safely at construction sites requires recognizing and avoiding the many dangers that affect workers. Unfortunately, construction sites have a tremendous number of potentially dangerous situations that could injure or kill a worker.

There are four common causes of worker deaths at construction sites. Those are:

• Falling, especially from a higher level to a lower one
• Struck by an object
• Electrocution
• Caught between an object

Many workers have to use scaffolding or ladders and work on rooftops or rising floors that are under construction. Tripping, slipping, and falling from an elevated work position claim the most lives and cause the most injuries on a construction site.

When you have workers on elevated platforms that could be several stories tall, objects can fall and cause deadly injuries to those below. A piece of heavy equipment might maneuver a large object and strike a worker.

Objects of many types, shapes, and sizes could swing, fall, or otherwise move in a manner that strikes one or more other workers and causes serious or deadly injuries. Large objects, heavy equipment, and items that either move or are moved on construction sites also might trap a worker and cause a crushing injury.

Construction sites also need electricity to make equipment work, provide lighting, and enable the project to be completed. Electricity requires a source and a means to conduct electrical power to various locations. Providing that power to an entire construction site can result in dangerous conditions that might cause injury or death.

Electrocution is the third-leading cause of death on construction sites behind falls and being struck by objects. It might not be possible to completely protect workers against electrocution and other construction site dangers, but it is possible to minimize those dangers as much as possible to reduce their occurrence.

Common Dangers Associated With Construction Site Electrical Systems

The electrical systems for construction sites often have a lot of demand placed on them from the workers and their equipment. Welding equipment, air compressors, lighting, and much more depend on electricity.

The high demand for electricity on construction sites can lead to dangerous conditions that could raise the risk of electrocution. Common dangers posed by electrical systems at construction sites include:

• Power lines overhead
• Overloading circuits and incorrect grounding
• Equipment and cords are damaged
• Wet working conditions

It is possible to control the many potential dangers created by the use of electricity on construction sites. When done properly, the potential dangers of working with electricity on construction sites are minimized while maximizing worker safety.

The following gives you a closer look at how to reduce common electricity dangers on construction sites.

Overhead Power Lines

Overhead power lines on a construction site often are temporary and intended to help workers do their jobs. Overhead power lines also can pose significant dangers to workers who accidentally come into contact with them.

More than a third of all electrocutions occur due to contact with power lines that are strung overhead. A worker in a crane, carrying a ladder, or using some other equipment might accidentally contact the power lines with that equipment.

Construction site managers can help reduce the danger by clearly identifying where overhead power lines are situated to ensure workers give them plenty of space. Workers should stay at least 10 feet away from power lines and avoid touching any equipment that might be in contact with a power line.

Anyone carrying a ladder or other equipment should hold the equipment horizontally so they will not touch overhead lines. Caution is required when moving rolling scaffolds, and lowering any equipment, such as a crane or bucket lift, prior to going near power lines will help to prevent contacting any lines overhead.

Overloading Circuits and Incorrect Grounding

Overloaded electrical circuits and improper grounding pose significant threats to workers’ safety. An overloaded circuit could overheat and cause an electrical fire hazard. Circuit breakers should be used in sufficient numbers to help shut off the flow of electricity when one or more circuits become overloaded.

Wiring should be of sufficient size and capacity to safely conduct the amount of electricity needed to get work done. Extension cords and wiring should be used only on a very minimal basis to help prevent circuit overloads.

Electrical grounds can help to eliminate excess voltage while also reducing electrocution risks. Managers should conduct regular inspections to identify possible fire hazards. The circuits also should be of a sufficient rating to handle the wiring and prevent overloads.

Damaged Equipment and Cords

When electrical equipment, tools, and cords are damaged, they pose serious threats to worker safety. An exposed or frayed wire might create a spark that causes a fire or enables electricity to go where it should not and cause an electrocution.

Construction sites should have dedicated electrical systems inspectors who can check and identify faulty equipment, cords, and circuits. Any issues should be addressed right away to help prevent electrocutions and electrical fires.

All construction sites should have lockout and tagout procedures in place that will prevent sudden electrical surges. It also helps to ensure that extension cords should have a ground plug and only one item plugged into it.

Wet Working Conditions

Weather always is a factor that affects construction site safety and especially when it comes to electrical systems and equipment. OSHA-compliant tools can help to protect against electrical hazards when wet conditions affect the construction site.

Any equipment that becomes wet should undergo an inspection by a qualified electrician before putting it back into use. Watertight wiring can help to protect against moisture penetration and prevent short circuits.

Workers should wear rubber-insulated gloves, leather boots, and flame-resistant clothing. Workers should wear safety glasses and keep metal objects out of their clothing and off of their bodies, including jewelry.

How To Minimize Other Construction Site Dangers

There is no big secret to reducing potential dangers at construction sites. Workers need to be well-trained to do their jobs. The training must include safety, including identifying and avoiding dangerous conditions. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) and wearing appropriate work clothing can go far in reducing the possibility of construction site injuries or deaths.

Employers must limit the number of people who enter a construction site while work is underway to help prevent accidents. If people who do not belong on the work site enter it and roam around, the workers might not see them. Unseen visitors could become accident victims.

Meanwhile, regular safety meetings can help drive home the dangerous nature of each task and how to perform the work as safely as possible. Workers must be taught to recognize possible dangers and communicate them to managers and supervisors who can help correct problematic situations.

High Cost of Construction Site Injuries and Fatalities

The Midwest Economic Policy Institute (MEPI) says construction worker fatalities total $5 billion in costs every year. Injuries add another $170 billion in costs.

Medical care, lost production, and lost income directly affect the workers and their families. So does a reduced quality of life that commonly happens when a construction worker’s wages are removed form the family unit.

Family-owned Tomm Electric in New Jersey provides outstanding commercial electrician services that help to make construction sites safer. We provide electrician services throughout the East Coast and can help you protect your workers.