Although making a mistake in any job is bad, making a mistake in construction has an entirely different meaning. In 2024, it’s time to avoid a few specific, recurring mistakes. Here are a few mistakes construction workers need to avoid:
Rejecting Change
Whether you’re someone who likes a tried-and-true method or you’re just afraid of failing at something new, it’s important in the construction industry to continue to evolve and change—just as the industry is itself. Be adaptable and stay flexible. You may find that new methods, tools, and equipment can actually make things easier or more efficient for you, not to mention safer. Keeping up to date on regulations that are always changing can not only keep everyone safe, but also avoid fines and penalties and even job loss.
Neglecting Signs of Fatigue
While workers may think that sleepiness, headaches and soreness are just common symptoms for someone working in the construction industry, these can actually be important symptoms of fatigue. When your “office” doesn’t have a controlled temperature and you’re constantly pushing your body to its limit with heavy lifting and movement, you’re likely going to need to take a step back from the job multiple times a day.
Although your end goal may be to move on to the next job, rushing can not only mean you do a botched job and end up having to come back later, but can also put you at risk.
Not Preparing for the Worst
Although we may not want to constantly remember that working in the construction industry is dangerous, it is. There are roughly 150,000 construction job-site injuries each year, and one in five deaths among U.S. workers is in the construction industry.
AD+D coverage, otherwise known as Accidental Death + Dismemberment insurance is important to protect your family financially if something happens to you. If you’re the sole, or only person working in your household, this is especially important for your family to be able to pay bills, cover medical costs and other expenses.
Tip: When you go shopping for AD+D coverage, make sure you look at the types of accidents covered because not all policies cover all types of accidents.
Rushing to the Next Job
Although your end goal may be to move on to the next job, rushing can not only mean you do a botched job and end up having to come back later, but can also put you at risk. Taking shortcuts can lead to accidents that can put you in a dangerous situation, expose you to hazards and get you hurt. Take a few extra minutes to be sure the job is done right and safely. You’ll thank yourself later.
Skipping Your Warmups
Many studies have concluded that stretching mainly reduces injuries by increasing flexibility. Despite heading out to the worksite and moving your body every day, it’s important to wake your body up before you begin work. Even clinicians use stretching to prevent injury, decrease soreness and improve performance.
Working in the construction industry is no joke. You’re constantly moving heavy things and working out every muscle group in your body. By taking just a few minutes every day to stretch before your work starts, you’re less likely to pull a crucial muscle that could send you to the hospital or keep you on bed rest for days to weeks and even months.