Construction Accident Law Firm: Construction Site Hazards
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Construction site accidents can happen on the job, and when they do, it is important to hire a construction accident attorney at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. who can provide legal advice and understand the regulations governing any claims that you may file and who will fight hard to help you win your case and receive the justice you deserve.
Even if you are injured through your own carelessness, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation from your employer’s insurance company if you were, for example, a worker who fell off a ladder. When you are working on a work site, it is critical to be aware of some of the most common hazards that can cause you injuries or wrongful death on the job.
1. Working up high
Many experts believe that working at height is the most common cause of fatal injuries in people who work on a job site in the construction industry.
Any employee who works above the ground needs to be trained in how to work safely on different pieces of equipment and surfaces, such as ladders, roofs, and scaffolding to avoid getting injured on the job.
Construction site operators can minimize risks of injuries from falls by implementing training for all workers, installing fall protection systems and guardrails, and by making sure all equipment used is appropriate for the task.
2. Collapse
Construction by nature involves building up structures as well as sometimes digging deeper into the ground for excavations. At any time, a collapse could occur as structures are being erected, demolished, or installed.
Risks of collapse can be minimized by putting protective systems in place for workers excavating trenches. Bringing in experts for risk assessment throughout the construction process is also a great way to prevent any unnecessary collapse from causing undue harm to members of the construction team and reducing the likelihood of construction injury cases.
3. Moving objects
The environment on a construction site is always abuzz, and things can move fast, which makes working conditions even more hazardous and risky for general contractors. Many moving objects can be hazardous on a construction site if workers are unaware of their surroundings and do not understand the risks at stake if they are hit or injured by any of these moving objects of pieces of machinery.
Objects that pose large risks in this category are cranes, forklifts, and unevenness in the foundation of sites that are exposed to the elements. Risks can be minimized by creating designated and protected work zones that provide barrier protection for pedestrians and incorporating more safety features to make large pieces of machinery like forklifts easier to maneuver around the site.
4. Electrical hazards
Electrical problems can be hazardous for all workers, not just the ones who specialize in electrical installation. Workers need to consider safety measures when they are working by power lines or underground cables as well. Undertaking work around these cables in wet conditions can also increase the risks surrounding them.
Electrical risks can be minimized by only allowing people who are qualified electricians to handle specific electrical issues, adding barrier systems and safety warnings around overhead cables, and training employees to be mindful of the dangers of electrical wiring can pose.
Final thoughts
Other injuries that can occur on a construction site can stem from a lack of personal protective equipment, or PPE, worn by the workers. This equipment can include eye and face protection like safety goggles or face shields, foot protection like slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soled shoes, hand protection like gloves for doing specific jobs, and head protection like hard hats. Replacing this safety gear regularly may be necessary to keep protection high.
If you have been injured in a construction accident, call Cochran, Kroll & Associates P.C. at 866-MICH-LAW to schedule a free consultation with a construction accident lawyer.
Depending on the type of accident and the party at fault, there may be a statute of limitations in place, so you may have to fill your lawsuit before a specific deadline, so it is critical you seek legal help as soon as possible and file your personal injury lawsuit. Workers who suffered an accident can receive compensation for missed work, medical bills, and even pain and suffering.
Let our personal injury law firm and legal team fight for your rights. Our law firm never charges a fee unless we win your case.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.