6 Most Common Construction Site Safety Violations and Prevention Tips
In the article, Greg outlines the 6 Most Common Construction Safety Violations, and how to prevent them.
1. Improper Traffic Control Measures
Inadequate traffic control is the most common safety violation in construction work zones. Missing or poorly placed signage, cones or barriers can confuse motorists, significantly raising the risk of collisions. Properly marking lane closures and detours is also essential to ensure safety.
Prevention Tips: Always begin by developing a traffic control plan that complies with local regulations and adheres to Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines. Make sure to place signs well ahead of the work zone so drivers have enough time to react and use arrow boards or other visual cues to guide traffic safely through the area. Ensure trained personnel are responsible for installing, maintaining and updating traffic control devices as the project evolves. Regularly inspect the work zone to confirm that all measures are effective, properly placed, and clearly visible to drivers, workers, and pedestrians.
2. Lack of Visible Apparel
If workers are not wearing high-visibility clothing, the odds of being struck by a vehicle or piece of equipment increases significantly. It’s a no-brainer: giving them the proper gear is one of the simplest, yet most important, ways to keep everyone safe on the job.
Prevention Tips: Workers should always wear high-visibility vests, jackets or other approved gear that meets safety standards for day and night work. The start of each shift is a great time to check that everyone’s gear is up to standard, ensuring maximum protection and discernibility.
3. Failure to Maintain Safe Distances
Workers are often exposed to live traffic in construction work zones, where failing to maintain a safe buffer zone can lead to devastating accidents.
Prevention Tips: To keep workers safe, set up buffer zones and barriers to separate them from traffic, as recommended by the MUTCD. Use concrete barriers, cones or crash attenuators for protection, and assign a trained flagger (also known as a “Protector”) to control traffic movement through the area.
4. Fall Hazards
Fall protection is frequently overlooked in elevated work zones, where workers face unguarded edges, open platforms or unfinished scaffolding posing a high risk of serious injury.
Prevention Tips: Guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems should be used to prevent falls and protect workers working at heights. Give workers clear, hands-on training to ensure they know how to properly use the equipment., and check regularly to be sure it’s set up right and in good condition.
5. Inadequate Lighting
Poor lighting at night in construction zones makes accidents much more likely, making proper illumination crucial for keeping everyone safe.
Prevention Tips: To stay within MUTCD standards, position trailered light towers to reduce glare for drivers and provide sufficient lighting for workers. Light towers provide a simple solution for temporary LED lighting, covering large areas and built to handle extreme temperatures, whether it’s intense heat or bitter cold. Regular inspections of the equipment are essential, and any faulty lights should be replaced immediately to avoid safety risks.
6. Lack of Emergency Planning
Without a solid emergency response plan, construction workers can be caught off guard when accidents, equipment breakdowns or medical emergencies happen, increasing the potential severity of the situation.
Prevention Tips: Create a thorough emergency plan that outlines escape routes, first aid stations and communication procedures. Train all employees on emergency response and hold frequent drills to make sure everyone is prepared and knows their role.
To read the full article, visit For Construction Pros.
Partnering with a safety expert can help ensure a safe and compliant work zone. A solid safety program means fewer accidents, less risk to your business and safer workers. Learn more about how AWP Safety can help you with your next project, or request additional information from our expert sales team.
