The nature of construction work requires a lot of tools, building materials, and safety equipment. These objects can fall from anywhere, including heavy equipment like cranes, or man lifts. Injuries caused by debris or heavy equipment can be life-threatening.

Given the nature of the job, exposed wires, downed power lines, and unfinished electrical systems are frequently present at a lot of construction sites. They can also spark explosions or fires. Terrible injury or death by electrocution and burns can occur. By far, the most dangerous electrical work is that done by power-line installers.

Even though road construction sites put up signage, flags, spotters and barricades, drivers who are going too fast or are distracted all too often hit road crew personnel.

Large and potentially dangerous machinery, such as cranes, jackhammers, bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks and excavators can lead to serious accidents or construction accident deaths, if not properly operated and maintained by trained personnel. Even power tools, like nail guns and drills, can cause substantial injury.

Many construction jobs require trenches and excavations. This can lead to the ground and surrounding areas to become unstable and collapse on workers on and around the work site.

Construction crews work in all kinds of weather, including heat and humidity. Common occurrences from the elements include strokes, fainting and dehydration.