Top 5 Hazards in Property Maintenance & Construction

Reactive Maintenance usually starts with something going wrong. A damaged shopfront, a leaking roof, a collapsed ceiling, or a structure that suddenly isn’t safe anymore. The job is to fix the problem quickly, but the reality is that Reactive Property Maintenance often means working in unstable or unpredictable environments. That brings risk, and managing those risks properly is essential.

Here are five of the biggest hazards in construction and facilities maintenance, and how they are controlled.

1. Work at Height

Work at height remains the biggest cause of fatalities in construction. In 2023/24, 51 construction workers were killed, and more than half of those deaths were caused by falls from height. Falls also accounted for around 20% of non-fatal injuries in the sector.

At AM Planned Maintenance, work at height is routine, from roof repairs to façade access. Safety depends on planning, training, and using the right equipment.

Our engineers use MI towers, ladders, cherry pickers, and boom lifts, and are trained in their safe use. Equipment is selected carefully for each job, and work is planned before access begins. Cutting corners at height just isnt an option.

2. Falling or Moving Objects

Falling or moving objects are another major cause of injury on construction sites. Contact with moving, flying, or falling objects accounted for around 21% of fatal injuries in construction in 2023/24, with moving vehicles responsible for a further share.

The risks increase on Reactive Maintenance jobs, where damage or debris may already be present before work begins.

At AM Planned Maintenance, controlled work zones and barriers are used wherever necessary. Areas are closed off to protect the public, site staff, and engineers, especially in busy commercial or public environments.

3. Electricity

Electricity remains one of the most serious hazards in facilities maintenance. Hidden services, damaged wiring, and exposed systems can all present dangers, particularly in emergency repair situations.

The safest approach is straightforward. Electrical work should only be carried out by qualified professionals.

That is why AM Planned Maintenance always brings in qualified electricians to undertake electrical works, ensuring systems are isolated, tested, and returned safely to service.

4. Structural Collapse

Collapse and overturning were responsible for around 11% of construction deaths in 2023/24. Even small demolition or removal work can lead to unexpected movement if not carefully planned.

A significant part of Reactive Property Maintenance involves removing damaged building fabric, from crash-damaged car park walls to fire-damaged shopfronts and unstable structures. These situations require careful assessment and controlled removal, because damaged structures don’t always behave how you expect them to.

Planning, sequencing, and temporary support where required all help reduce the risk.

5. Handling Loads

Manual handling injuries are one of the most common causes of lost working time in construction. Lifting, carrying, and moving materials can lead to strains, sprains, and longer-term injuries if not managed properly.

Training, proper lifting techniques, and using mechanical aids wherever possible all help reduce these risks, especially on Reactive Maintenance jobs where access may be tight or awkward.

A Hidden Risk: Asbestos

Asbestos is still present in hundreds of thousands of UK buildings and can cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Disturbing it without proper controls is extremely dangerous.

Any suspected asbestos must always be handled by licensed specialists, no shortcuts, no exceptions.

Safety in Reactive Maintenance

The hazards of reactive maintenance are often greater because the work begins after something has already failed. Structures may be weakened, materials damaged, and access more difficult.

At AM Planned Maintenance, safety planning, trained engineers, and controlled working practices are built into every job. Because a successful repair isn’t just about fixing the building, its about making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.