The construction industry has a reputation for danger—and rightly so. Construction workers spend time in hazardous environments on a daily basis. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees the federal safety requirements in the construction industry. According to its general information, the fatal injury rate is higher in construction than in any other industry.
The deadly four (top ways people die on construction sites) include:
- Falls
- Being struck by an object
- Being caught in or in-between something
- Electrocution
AVOIDING CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENTS: ADDRESS 4 UNSAFE PRACTICES WITH THESE TIPS
While some hazards are inherent to the trade, construction teams and workers can take precautions to reduce the risks on any jobsite.
1. Failing to properly erect scaffolding.
Scaffolds are put up and broken down as needed on construction sites. The risks involving scaffolding involve improper installations, a lack of safety inspections, failure to replace or repair weakened parts, and not teaching workers about general safety requirements involving scaffolds.
How to Fix it: Proper training, awareness, and routine maintenance can help prevent many scaffold related accidents every year. Using industry standard safety practices during the setup and breakdown of the scaffold and reminding workers to use caution in activities involving scaffolds can reduce the risks associated with these temporary structures. If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident, contact our Los Angeles scaffolding accident attorneys.
2. Infrequent safety checks of harnesses and equipment.
Depending on the worksite, a construction worker may need access to different types of safety equipment, including hardhats and safety harnesses. Problems involving safety equipment include poor oversight in equipment use, using old or weakened equipment, and failing to train employees about the appropriate safety measures required for a particular worksite.
How to Fix it: Proper training, awareness, and routine maintenance can help prevent many scaffold related accidents every year. Using industry standard safety practices during the setup and breakdown of the scaffold and reminding workers to use caution in activities involving scaffolds can reduce the risks associated with these temporary structures.
3. Individuals failing to use caution on stairways and in hazardous situations.
A good construction worker may quickly turn into a careless one if he or she is distracted or tries to rush through a job. When construction workers fail to use caution in trenches, on scaffolds, and around the site in general, they may suffer injuries. Onsite vehicle accidents, falls, and equipment malfunctioning incidents may all contribute to serious jobsite incidents.
How to Fix it: Ensure all floors and walking spaces remain free of debris and are safe for workers to use. Encourage employees to use strong communication on jobsites and to focus on accuracy and safety over speed.
4. Disregarding standard safety practices in trenches.
Improperly protected trenches are particularly dangerous construction zones. When a team fails to protect the sides of a trench, drives equipment too close to the area, or fails to give employees an approved way out of the area, workers may suffer serious injuries or death in a trench accident.
How to Fix it: follow OSHA standards to the letter when working around trenches. Encourage employees to use additional caution when they work around trench sites, and inspect the site on a regular basis to maintain safety throughout the project.
Employers must maintain certain training and safety standards on construction sites, but many may not emphasize safety on a regular basis. As an employee, you have the right to tell your employer about any unsafe practices you notice and to report the company to OSHA if your employer refuses or fails to address them. Your employer can’t retaliate against you for protecting your right to a safe workplace.
Everyone from the newest worker to the employer has a responsibility to use adequate care inside a construction zone. If your employer or a third party refuses to take action and you suffer from a construction accident or work injury in Los Angeles, consider speaking with an attorney at Grey Law. Our Los Angeles construction accident lawyers handle workplace injury cases of all types. Contact us today! 323-471-0568
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