Google ScreenedStaying Safe on Construction Sites
Construction jobs are essential to the economy and the infrastructure of our country, but they also come with inherent risks. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2018, one in five worker deaths happened in construction. That number amounts to more than 1,000 fatal accidents that might have been prevented with better safety gear, protocols, and training.
“Fatal Four” Construction Accidents
Based on accident data collected from construction sites across the country, OSHA determined that most private industry construction accidents fall into four categories. The “Fatal Four” construction accidents in order of frequency are:
- Falls
- Struck-by accidents
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in/between accidents
By identifying where safety is lacking, employers and their teams can work to reduce hazards and save lives. If the top causes of fatal accidents are eliminated, OSHA estimates that nearly 600 lives will be saved in this country every year.
Provide Health and Safety Training
Health and safety training should be the foundation in every workplace on a continual basis. While safety methods evolve and improve and new employees come aboard, safety training should be reviewed and revaluated.
Require Proper Safety Equipment
Depending on the job at hand, workers should be required to wear necessary personal protection equipment (PPE.) Workers should inspect helmets, goggles, kneepads, metal gloves, and high-visibility clothing before every shift to ensure it is in good working order. Damaged PPE will not do its job to protect workers from illness and injury.
Inspect and Service Equipment and Tools
Construction work generally involves the use of heavy, dangerous tools and machines. Routine inspections are imperative to ensure that they are safe and operating as designed. Unsafe or defective equipment puts lives at risk.
Maintain Good Communication
Communication is vital at a construction site. Workers should feel empowered to share any safety concerns or recommendations they have with colleagues and superiors. Additionally, they should not fear retaliation if they report a workplace hazard to upper management.
Remind Workers to Stay on Alert
Even with proactive safety training and procedures, accidents can still happen. Construction sites have a lot of moving parts. Human error and serious construction accidents can never be completely eradicated. However, staying alert while working can certainly help workers avoid accidents and injuries.
Work Injury Claims and Compensation
Not every accident will be prevented with the steps above. If you are in construction and suffered injuries after a job-related accident, you can recover compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost income. Injured workers can pursue Workers’ Compensation benefits through their employer or a personal injury claim.
Bucks County Work Accident Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Advocate for Injured Construction Workers
Our dedicated Bucks County work accident lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. represent construction workers that were injured due to no fault of their own. If you were injured on the job, we can help. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 888-999-1962 or complete our online form today. Located in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Pinehurst, North Carolina, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania.
