Falls from height, struck-by falling material, excavation collapse, and electrocution account for the overwhelming majority of construction fatalities. Each one has a boring, cheap control that gets skipped under time pressure.
Edge protection and harnesses for anything above 2 m, hard hats and exclusion zones below lifting operations, shoring or battering for excavations deeper than 1.5 m, and earthed, RCD-protected temporary power.
Remember on site
- Above 2 m: edge protection or full-body harness, no exceptions.
- Deeper than 1.5 m: shore, bench or batter the sides.
- Temporary power through an RCD, with proper earthing.
Check yourself
What is the most common cause of fall-from-height fatalities on residential construction sites?
What is the primary control to prevent falls from an open floor edge on an upper floor slab?
At what excavation depth does shoring or benching typically become mandatory to prevent collapse under Indian safety practice?
Why do unshored trench excavations collapse and trap workers?
What is the correct first step before starting electrical work near a live panel or cable?
Why is electrocution risk higher on construction sites during the monsoon season?
What is the main control to prevent struck-by injuries from moving construction plant like excavators or dumpers?
Why are reversing dumpers and tippers a major struck-by hazard on site?
Which combination correctly matches hazard to its main control?
A worker is found standing at the edge of a floor opening with no barricade while waiting for materials. What is the correct immediate action?
Why should overhead power lines near a construction site be treated as a serious electrocution hazard even if no direct contact is planned?
What is the safest general approach to reduce fatalities from the four major hazards on a residential site?