Safety in the construction industry
In terms of the built environment, the term ‘safety’ generally refers to the condition of being protected, or safe, from hazards and other undesirable events. As construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in, the positive control and management of hazards and risks to achieve a sufficiently-high level of safety is very important, and is often a legal requirement.
From a safety perspective, a hazard is a condition with the potential to cause physical impairment or health consequences in people or other types of life.
Safety audits are carried out to assess health and safety processes on construction sites, considering; legislative requirements, industry best practice, and the contractor’s own health and safety management systems.
Construction companies use a wide range of safety practices as part of their safety management programmes, with an increasing emphasis on creating a safety culture throughout the organisation.
The term ‘safety’ can also be used to refer to how safe or protected against harmful events a building or structure is when it is in use. This can be in relation to extreme weather, earthquakes, security, operational failures or hazards, and so on.
For a full list of articles related to safety, see Health and Safety.
See also: Building safety.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Automated external defibrillator AED.
- BREEAM Safety and security.
- Building safety.
- Competent person.
- Construction Client Buddy Scheme.
- Construction Health and Safety Group CHSG.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrical safety in the private rented sector.
- Electrical test equipment for use on low voltage electrical systems GS38.
- Fire.
- Health and safety.
- Health and safety plan.
- Injuries on construction sites.
- ISO 23234 and ISO 21542 security and accessibility standards
- Reporting accidents and injuries on construction sites.
- Risk assessment.
- Safety audit.
- Safety briefing.
- Safety management.
- Security.
- Slip and trip hazards.
- Swarf.
- Warning pipe.
- What is a hazard?
- What is CLOCS?
- Working in confined conditions.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.