An accident could result in any injury that causes bodily harm. In other cases, an employee, based on the nature of work, can contract an occupational disease – an undesirable health state caused by prolonged exposure to unhealthy elements –like chemicals – within the workplace.
In such events, affected workers are due for compensation. If you experience such workplace health threats, consider hiring a top workers compensation lawyers in Lancaster, PA to walk you through the legal processes.
That said, construction workers are widely susceptible to fatal accidents. Among the large numbers, about 40 percent are falls-related.
These common causes account for about 60% of total construction workers’ deaths:
• Caught between objects
• Electrocutions
• Struck by object
• Falls
Factoring the hazard construction workers face, employers should help their employees stay safe from danger.
Construction Accidents – Falls
Although the most common cause, construction accidents from falls are preventable. Employers may consider the following preventive measures:
Protect Floor Holes, Wall Openings, and Sides
Typically, buildings under construction are usually without handrails, doors, and related safety contractions. Ensure the site is well lit, and workers are familiar and cautioned about holes and dangerous openings. Besides, toe boards and guardrails built around elevated platforms, runway, and the floor will come handy.
Protective Equipment
Safety nets, handrails, stair rails, harness and line will help optimize work-site safety. Non-slip work boots and shoes, hard hats, and related protective gear, based on the nature of work, will go a long way to reduce construction-related accidents.
Construct and Maintain Scaffolding
Properly constructed scaffolding with guardrail is an ideal safety measure at construction sites. Give due attention to replacing building materials or heavy equipment on a scaffold with limited capacity and space to handle the weight.
Proper Use of Small-sized Ladders
Ensure to use a well-positioned portable ladder. Besides, supervisors should check routinely to ensure the ladders are not damaged and without little defects.
Construction Accidents – Struck by objects
From cranes to trucks, many construction workers have lost their lives to being struck by moving objects.
Supervisors should check equipment and jacks regularly to be sure they match the amount of force and weight they manage. Besides, workers should be sensitive when passing beneath suspended loads and, where necessary, signal the operator of your movement.
Using personal protective equipment would dramatically curb the rate of accidents at the site.
Construction Accident – Electrocution
Here are vital precautionary tips to avoid electrocution while in the field:
Grounding: (or ground fault protection) is an essential safety measure. Electrical explosions, burns, and fires may result from poor grounding.
Power lines contact – avoid power lines, as fatal electrocution is highly probable around these lines.
Equipment errors – construction workers should learn how every job-related equipment works – whether or not the task at hand is electricity-related.
Construction Accidents – Caught Between Objects
This is when a construction worker helplessly suffocates or gets exposed to harmful chemicals. As a precaution, prefer personal kits most fitting for your work site. Besides using protective equipment, ensure your accessories, clothes, and hair is close and suitable enough to avoid getting trapped in a moving machine.
When You Get Hurt in a Construction Accident
First, inform your site supervisor immediately – trailed by proper detailed documentation. Then, consult top workers comp lawyers in Lancaster, PA experienced in worker compensation claims and personal injury.
Original Source: https://bit.ly/2L9PILJ