Avoiding Construction Worksite Accidents

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. Even with safety inspections and strict safety standards, thousands of workers are injured or killed in construction workplace accidents every year.

Workers should report any safety concerns to their employer. If the construction company doesn’t take proper safety measures, you can report your concerns to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or a state government agency. However, construction site safety is in everyone’s interests, including the employer.

If you have questions about construction work injuries and personal injury claims, talk to a construction accident lawyer about your legal options.

What Are Common Construction Site Accidents?

According to OSHA, construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. OSHA’s “fatal four” leading causes of construction fatalities include:

• Fatal falls (scaffolding and ladder accidents)
• Hit by an object
• Caught-in/between injuries
• Electrocution accidents

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these fatal four are responsible for more than half of construction worker deaths every year. There are other common types of accidents, including trips and slips, defective tools and materials, failure to follow safety protocols, and lack of safety training.

Some construction injuries are minor. However, because of the work environment, heavy machinery, and industrial materials used, other accidents can result in serious injuries or workplace fatalities.

How Construction Worksites Can Reduce Worksite Accidents

Safety should be everyone’s concern. Potential hazards on a construction job can injure workers, harm worker morale, and cost the construction company lots of money. Spending more time and money on workplace safety can save the construction company from spending more on personal injury claims, workers’ compensation, and OSHA fines.

These are some ways workers and contractors can avoid safety hazards on the construction site.

Begin With a Risk Assessment

Each construction site is a little different. A designated safety standards employee or contractor should inspect the construction site and construction plans to identify any possible risks. Understanding the potential risks can help avoid potential dangers.

Embrace OSHA Inspections

Construction companies often dread OSHA safety inspections. However, safety inspections can help avoid potential hazards. With an OSHA worker on-site, construction companies can also take advantage of the inspector’s knowledge and experience to fix any potential safety problems.

Get Safety Feedback From Workers

Workers may be in the best position to identify safety hazards. Construction workplaces may have close calls or experienced workplace injuries on other jobs. With regular safety meetings, construction employees can identify problems and help prevent construction accidents.

Have More Than Enough Safety Equipment Available

Like a lot of materials and equipment on a worksite, some safety gear seems to disappear over time. There is no excuse for not having enough protective gear for workers. If a worker leaves their personal protective equipment (PPE) at home, there should be backups available. Safety equipment on a construction site can include:

• High-visibility clothing
• Signage
• Hard hats
• Harnesses

Use Fall Prevention Systems to Reduce Fall Injuries

Construction companies know of the risks of fall accidents. However, falls continue to be among the most fatal causes of construction deaths. Construction worksites should have a strong focus on fall prevention, including

• Guardrails
• Following scaffolding regulations
• Fall safety training
• Harnesses
• Toe boards to prevent falling objects from rolling off scaffolding or rooftops.

Use Regular Equipment Checks

Heavy machinery and equipment are only as good as their current condition. Proper equipment maintenance, safety checks, and repair can keep construction equipment in good and safe operation for years. Machinery operators should be encouraged to report any concerns, including minor changes in the way the machinery operates that could indicate the beginning stages of a bigger problem.

How Can a Construction Accident Attorney Help?

A construction accident lawyer can help injury victims understand their legal rights after a construction accident. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim. An injury claim can help you get money for lost wages and pay your medical bills.

A lawyer can also negotiate a settlement offer that will cover all your losses and protect your family. If you have questions about your options after a job site injury, talk to an experienced construction attorney for help.