• Workers risk injuries from falling.Hard working construction worker at a construction scene. image by Andy Dean from Fotolia.com
  
  Construction is a dangerous business. "The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all industries," according to a report by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Workers face risks every day, even on smaller projects like houses. The type and extent of these risks depend on the individual project.
  
  

Electrical Risks

• If your construction project requires you to build walls and ceilings, install light fixtures and outlets or add electrical wiring to a room or addition, then you run the risk of electrocution. To minimize the chances of injury, always turn off the power at the fuse box. Also, hire a professional electrician for large-scale projects to ensure that your new wiring meets local building codes. Finally, only use grounded-type (3-pronged) power tools and extension cords, and replace any power cords that are frayed or cracking.
  
  

Height Risks

• You risk injury during any project that requires you to use ladders or scaffolds. The number one cause of fatalities in the construction industry is falling, according to the OSHA. To avoid injury, always set up ladders and scaffolds according to each manufacturer's specifications. Re-check them occasionally for wear and tear. For outdoor projects, keep ladders and scaffolds far away from overhead power lines. Finally, use any safety gear necessary (such as helmets, safety lines and scaffold railings).
  
  

Hazardous Material Risks

• If your project includes materials that are dangerous, such as natural gas, oil or toxic chemicals, you run the risks of fires and chemical exposure. Do not attempt to use these materials unsupervised unless you have plenty of experience. Because many building codes require you to have expert credentials or a special license in order to install any equipment that uses hazardous materials, it is best to hire a professional. If you do take on the job yourself, make sure there is always someone on the construction site that knows how to handle any emergency situations that might arise.
  
  

Heavy-Equipment Risks

• Cranes and bulldozers pose risks to the workers around them. For example, a crane might swing a load of material and hit a worker, or a bulldozer operator might not see a worker who can't get out of the way. To decrease the risk of injury, all heavy-equipment operators should be licensed and fully trained in all relevant safety procedures. Also, operators must take care to avoid contact with power lines, whether the lines are above or below ground.