Your Safety Matters: Take Time to Check, Stay Safe on Site
Work Safely Week (20th–24th January) is dedicated to encouraging every worker to prioritise their own safety and look out for their colleagues. While we can’t enforce safety rules, we can all take small but meaningful steps to reduce risks and prevent tragedies.
Why Safety Matters:
- Construction Fatalities: In 2023, over 30% of fatal workplace accidents in the UK occurred in the construction industry.*
- Common Risks: Falls from height, struck-by-object incidents, and equipment failures are among the most common causes of injuries and fatalities.
- Cost of Negligence: Beyond physical harm, accidents cost the industry millions in downtime, fines, and compensation.
Safety Facts to Remember:
- Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries in construction, responsible for nearly 50% of deaths on-site.
- One in four workers report not wearing PPE because it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
- Faulty equipment or improper use of tools contributes to approximately 20% of site accidents.
- The average cost of a workplace injury to a company exceeds £10,000.
Looking Beyond Physical Safety
When we think about safety on construction sites, we often focus on the physical risks—equipment failures, falls, or hazardous materials. However, mental health plays a significant role in maintaining a safe working environment. Stress, burnout, and distractions can all lead to lapses in judgement, slower reaction times, or overlooked hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The Link Between Mental Health and Safety:
When we think about safety on construction sites, we often focus on the physical risks—equipment failures, falls, or hazardous materials. However, mental health plays a significant role in maintaining a safe working environment. Stress, burnout, and distractions can all lead to lapses in judgement, slower reaction times, or overlooked hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The Link Between Mental Health and Safety:
- Reduced Focus: Workers experiencing stress or fatigue may struggle to concentrate, leading to errors or missed safety steps.
- Impaired Decision-Making: Anxiety or mental strain can make it harder to assess risks or respond effectively in emergencies.
- Physical Symptoms: Poor mental health can manifest physically, such as fatigue, headaches, or slowed reflexes, which may directly impact safety.
