Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, and all too often, workers are injured or even killed when construction-related accidents occur. Faulty machinery, failure to take certain safety precautions, and lack of safety gear are all circumstances that can lead to dangerous construction site accidents. When these accidents do occur, however, injured workers and their families do have recourse.
While not all accidents can be avoided, some injuries are preventable. There are a number of simple steps that our NYC personal injury attorneys recommend following in order to avoid construction accidents. Check out our top tips below.
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Top 10 Safety Tips for Construction Workers:
- Participate in all safety training programs offered by your employer, your union, or other local organizations.
- Always make sure to have on appropriate safety gear.
- Be sure you are properly trained whenever you begin a new job or start to operate a new piece of machinery you haven't used before.
- Avoid falls by inspecting scaffolding and ladders before using them, as well as not using the top rung of ladders.
- Avoid back strain or similar injuries by lifting items properly. In some cases, a back brace may be suggested.
- Observe fire safety precautions and make sure you are wearing proper gear when working with or around sparks or flammable materials.
- Sit down when working at lower levels in order to avoid knee strain.
- Secure all equipment and temporary structures, particularly in cases of inclement or windy weather.
- Avoid working in stormy, overly windy, or icy weather, as this could lead to various dangers, including electrocution.
- Report unsafe work conditions to the appropriate authorities, including supervisors and general contractors.
Even at the “safest” and most closely monitored construction sites, accidents can happen. Situations can change in an instant, and it is often the actions of others that can lead to an unexpected accident and subsequently, an injury.
Working Towards Creating Safer Construction Sites
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that more than 6.5 million people in the United States work at construction sites every day. The injury and fatality rate for workers on construction sites is higher than for the average work site. That makes safety tips and proper habits all the more important to follow.
Potential hazards for construction workers include falls, scaffolding collapses, trench collapses, electric shock, repetitive motion injuries, and failure to use safety gear as recommended and / or required. By being aware of these potential hazards and always using safety gear and precautions, you can minimize the chance of a serious injury or fatality while working on a construction site.
Injured? Contact The Perecman Firm, for Assistance!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident or any other type of incident, we are here to help. There are a number of different benefits that may be available to compensate workers and their families. However, some of these claims may be time-sensitive and require immediate action.
Please contact our office to schedule a free consultation today!