According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one out of every five workplace deaths is a construction worker. Construction, however, can be a safe occupation. Workers must be aware of the hazards and use an effective safety and health program.
Types of Construction Accidents
Some common types of construction accidents include
1- Crane or hoist accidents. Cranes and hoists are important construction tools. However, lack of training, operator errors, and other factors can lead to serious accidents on construction sites.
2- Falls from heights. Scaffolding accidents, ladder accidents, roofing accidents, and other falls from heights can result in tragic construction accidents.
3- Slip and falls. A slip and fall on the ground can cause broken bones, sprains, and other injuries.
4- Repetitive stress injuries. The repetitive nature of some construction work can result in repetitive stress injuries in the back, wrists, ankles, and joints.
5- Gas leaks, fires, and explosions. Gas leaks, fires, and explosions can be sudden and deadly. Carbon monoxide, for example, can be dangerous in confined construction space.
6- Forklift accidents. Without proper training and attentive operators, forklifts can be dangerous and result in serious construction accidents.
7- Trench accidents. A trench collapse or an accident within a trench can be devastating. A construction worker may be trapped and unable to get out on his own.
8- Elevator shaft accidents. Construction workers may be at risk of falling down elevator shafts if safety precautions are not in place.
9- Electrocutions. Electrical equipment, overhead electrical wires, wiring, and lightning all create risks of electrocution for construction workers.
10- Machinery accidents. Heavy machines are necessary to complete construction jobs, but they also create real risks for construction workers when they malfunction or when an operator is negligent.
11- Struck-by accidents. Motor vehicles are common on construction sites. A construction worker is at risk of being struck by a motor vehicle or piece of machinery while working on a construction site.
12- Caught-between accidents. A limb or an entire person may get caught by a piece of equipment or crushed by the debris of a construction accident.
13- Exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Breathing in certain chemicals or toxins can cause construction workers to suffer serious respiratory illnesses.
All of these accidents can result in different kinds of serious injuries and in fatalities. If you have been hurt or if your loved one has been killed then it is important to get help as soon as possible. Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer today to make sure that your rights are protected and that you get the full and fair recovery that you deserve.
Construction Site Safety tips
1- Wear your PPE on-site at all times. PPE is your last line of defence should you come into contact with a hazard on site. Wear your hard hat, safety boots and hi-viz vest as a minimum, along with any additional PPE required for the task being carried out.
2- Do not start work without an induction. Each site has its own unique hazards and works operations. Make sure you know what is happening so that you can work safely. Your induction is important, don’t start without one.
3- Keep a tidy site. Construction work is messy. Remember to keep your work area tidy throughout your shift to reduce the number of slip and trip hazards. Pay particular attention to high-risk areas such as access and escape routes.
4- Do not put yourself or others at risk. You are responsible for your own behaviour. Construction sites are dangerous places to work. Make sure you remain safety aware throughout your shift.
5- Follow safety signs and procedures. Your employer should ensure a risk assessment is carried out for activities. Make sure you read and understand it. Follow signs and procedures – control measures are put in place for your safety.
6- Never work in unsafe areas. Make sure your work area is safe. Don’t work at height without suitable guard rails or other fall prevention. Don’t enter unsupported trenches. Make sure you have safe access. Don’t work below crane loads or other dangerous operations.
7- Report defects and near misses. If you notice a problem, don’t ignore it, report it to your supervisor immediately. Action cannot be taken quickly if management is not aware of the problem, and the sooner problems are resolved the less chance for an accident to occur.
8- Never tamper with the equipment. Never remove guard rails or scaffold ties. Do not remove guards. Do not attempt to fix defective equipment unless you are competent to do so. Do not ever tamper with equipment without authorisation.
9- Use 110v equipment. 110v equipment only must be suitable for use on-site. 240v equipment strictly prohibited without prior authorisation from management and will only be used if no 110v alternative available and additional safety precautions are taken.
10- If in doubt – Ask. Better safe than sorry. Mistakes on construction sites can cost lives – don’t let it be yours. If you need help or further information speak to your supervisor.
