When you think of construction site safety, the usual suspects come to mind: personal protective equipment (PPE), fall protection, and heavy equipment protocols. While these are essential, there are other, less-discussed hazards that can pose serious threats to workers’ health and safety.

At Pearson Safety Solutions, we believe prevention begins with awareness. Let’s take a closer look at five commonly overlooked jobsite hazards—and how to address them before they lead to injury.

1. Heat Stress and Dehydration

High temperatures and physical labor make heat stress a serious and sometimes fatal concern, especially during summer months. According to OSHA, heat illness can escalate quickly from cramps to heat stroke if not addressed promptly.

Prevention Checklist:

  • Provide shaded rest areas

  • Enforce regular hydration breaks

  • Use a buddy system during high-heat conditions

  • Train workers to recognize heat illness symptoms

Bonus Tip: Incorporate NIOSH’s Heat Safety Tool App for real-time monitoring.

2. Trench Collapses

Trench-related fatalities continue to rise, with the CDC noting that cave-ins are often sudden and deadly. Even shallow trenches can be dangerous without proper safety measures.

Prevention Checklist:

  • Never enter an unprotected trench

  • Use protective systems (shoring, shielding, sloping)

  • Have a competent person inspect trenches daily

  • Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges

Reminder: Trenches over 5 feet deep require a protective system unless made entirely in stable rock.

3. Improper Material Handling

Manual lifting and poor ergonomics lead to thousands of construction injuries each year. Strains and sprains are the top injury types in the field, often due to unsafe lifting techniques.

Prevention Checklist:

  • Train workers on proper lifting form

  • Use lift-assist tools or equipment when possible

  • Store materials at waist height to reduce bending

  • Encourage team lifts for heavier items

4. Poor Housekeeping

Cluttered job sites increase the risk of trips, slips, and falls. According to CPWR, proper housekeeping is directly tied to overall safety performance.

Prevention Checklist:

  • Designate cleanup times throughout the day

  • Keep pathways and access points clear

  • Secure cords, hoses, and tools

  • Use clearly marked storage zones for materials

Pro Tip: Make daily housekeeping part of your site-specific safety plan.

5. Communication Breakdowns

On a fast-paced job site, miscommunication can lead to missed steps, unsafe conditions, or even collisions. Language barriers, unclear protocols, or outdated information all play a role in preventable incidents.

Prevention Checklist:

  • Use visual cues and signage for universal understanding

  • Conduct daily safety huddles or toolbox talks

  • Utilize two-way radios or digital communication platforms

  • Ensure new hires are briefed thoroughly

Tools like AlertMedia or a centralized communication platform can help teams stay aligned in real time.

Building Safer Sites with Pearson Safety Solutions

At Pearson Safety Solutions, we go beyond checklists—we work alongside your team to create safer, smarter job sites. Our LinkSuite platform supports everything from custom training modules to on-site hazard assessments, helping your crews stay ahead of these often-overlooked risks.

Looking to strengthen your safety program? Contact us at info@personsafety.com to explore our construction safety training offerings here or contact us to schedule a jobsite consultation.

Stay proactive. Stay protected. And let’s build a safer future—together.

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