You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence from the effects of construction accident injuries. Whether you have been hurt physically or mentally, these accidents can be devastating and may cost you your livelihood. Luckily, there is recourse if you’ve been injured, either through the workers’ compensation system or through a third-party claim. Below are the common causes of construction accidents, so you know how to deal with them, even if you need a construction accident lawyer. Once you’ve identified the culprit, you can start the recovery process.
Common causes of construction accidents
One of the most common causes of construction accident deaths and injuries is falling from heights. While safety provisions are required for construction jobs, improper equipment and training can lead to a dangerous accident. Ladder falls can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. The fall could be caused by unstable or slippery surfaces, or by a faulty ladder. Whether a worker is standing on a tipped ladder or on an unstable surface, a fall can be devastating.
Another major cause of construction-related fatalities is electrocution. Experiencing electricity when working in an unprotected area is particularly dangerous. Besides electrical shocks, falling objects can electrocute a construction worker, resulting in fatal consequences. Several safety issues can contribute to falling-object injuries, including improper use of extension cords and flexible cords. Similarly, electrocution is the third leading cause of construction site deaths. Faulty electrical components, inadequate lockout procedures, and improper electrical system design can all cause an accident.
Safety rules that are broken
There are many different reasons why construction accidents happen, but one of the most common reasons is failure to comply with safety rules. This is especially true when it comes to construction sites, which are highly prone to accidents. Employers must ensure that employees are properly trained and that warning signs are posted throughout the workplace. Many construction accidents could have been prevented if employers simply followed safety rules. Below are seven common causes of construction accidents.
In addition to not following safety rules, construction sites are very dangerous workplaces. Even the slightest mistake can cause a catastrophic accident. Safety is the responsibility of everyone involved, from employers to workers. Regular training and a safe work environment are two of the best ways to ensure a healthy workplace for all. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has many rules and regulations like having the best OSHA certified Fire Guards in place in case the fire alarms at the construction site are not operating and more such mandates that employers must follow. These rules are designed to protect employees, as well as the general public.
Lack of proper safety gear
Many accidents on the job occur due to a lack of proper safety gear. According to statistics, 34% of construction fatalities were the result of falls. Providing fall protection is important because workers can fall over six feet if they’re not wearing the proper safety gear. Also, unfinished buildings and homes can leave construction workers exposed to holes and unstable floors. Fortunately, there are a few ways to avoid these accidents.
The most obvious way to avoid construction accidents is to make sure everyone has the appropriate safety gear. Workers should be wearing proper safety gear such as earphones, eye and hearing protection, and appropriate boots. Failure to provide proper safety gear can result in serious injuries or death. The law requires that employers follow safety regulations and enforce them on their sites. Accidents caused by lack of safety gear are often the fault of employers and can be considered a serious violation of safety standards.
Dishonest contractors
In addition to the alleged negligence of a subcontractor, a construction site can be plagued by false representation of materials and equipment. False representation occurs when a contractor delivers different materials or equipment than what was paid for. In addition, contractors can bill for more labor hours than the job actually requires, or they can charge for undocumented workers. Regardless of the situation, it’s essential to do due diligence before hiring a construction contractor.
A major problem for construction accidents that should not happen is unlicensed contractors. Unlicensed contractors can commit fraud when they submit pay apps or invoices, and they can also pass this fraudulent documentation up the chain. When this happens, the project owner could find itself financially responsible for the mistakes of the subcontractor. It could also be a matter of avoiding the contractor altogether. By being cautious, you can avoid the problems that arise from unlicensed contractors.
Lack of maintenance of equipment
There is no doubt that a lack of maintenance of construction equipment causes accidents. Unfortunately, 60% of accidents occur within the first year of an employee’s employment. A construction accident can be life-threatening and devastating to the victim. To prevent this from happening to your employees, it’s vital that you use the right protective equipment. Here are some tips for preventing accidents and reducing your liability.
Failing to maintain heavy equipment can cause a chain reaction of events. The first worker to get hit by a piece of equipment will be distracted by it, causing the whole operation to fail. The second worker may get caught between two objects, causing a crash. The last thing you want to happen is to cause an accident by not properly maintaining your equipment. You may even have to face fines from the OSHA if you are not careful.