Falls are a leading cause of death and injury among construction workers. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; in fact, the third leading cause of falls in construction is hazardous site conditions and improper inspection to secure a construction site. This is pervasive throughout the construction sector.
CLICK NOW FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE FROM AN EXPERIENCED LAWYERAs such, it is essential that employers ensure proper safety protocols are in place on their construction site at all times.
Moreover, employers should strive to create an environment where construction workers regularly check their surroundings for any potential fall hazards, inspect all scaffolding and ladders before use, and have a strict policy regarding personal protective equipment (PPE).
Employers must also provide temporary guardrails for elevated areas when necessary, as well as provide training on how to properly use them if needed at the designated construction site. Furthermore, employers should discourage employees from working outside designated safe areas and ensure that all workers are aware of the potential risks associated with a construction environment.
Ultimately, ensuring safety protocols are followed is essential to protect both construction workers and construction employers from legal liability in case of an accident or injury at a construction site. It is important for employers to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents like falls from happening to the average construction worker, on their government or private construction sites. Doing so helps create a safe working environment for everyone involved in the construction process.
It is also beneficial for employers to stay up-to-date on any changes in state or federal regulations regarding workplace safety. Regularly assessing existing safety protocols.
The top three reasons construction workers fall and get injured or die are unprotected edges/openings, improper use of portable ladders, and unsafe scaffolding
Unprotected edges/opening
Working on a construction site comes with the normalcy of open holes, wall openings, and edges in the floor – but that doesn’t mean safety precautions should be bypassed. Your employer is responsible for upholding your security by installing protective nets, guardrails, or even fall arrest systems to mitigate any risks you may encounter. Don’t let yourself become compromised – stay safe at all times!
Improper use of portable ladders
If you utilize portable ladders frequently, it is essential to ensure they are correctly positioned each time. Furthermore, do not overreach on the ladder and examine for any defective equipment before use. Also, take precautionary steps in avoiding slipping on the rungs of these ladders. To guarantee your safety while using a portable ladder, request that your employer provides proper training for its correct operation.
Unsafe scaffolding
If you utilize portable ladders frequently, it is essential to ensure they are correctly positioned each time. Furthermore, do not overreach on the ladder and examine for any defective equipment before use. Also, take precautionary steps in avoiding slipping on the rungs of these ladders. To guarantee your safety while using a portable ladder, request that your employer provides proper training for its correct operation.
Fatal Four Construction Accidents
As a leader in the construction industry, it is important to understand the unique dangers that can lead to injury or death among construction workers. The four biggest causes of death for builders are falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and being caught in/between accidents.
And as noted, it should be reemphasized that construction falls are the leading cause of death and injury for construction workers, and fall protection must be taken seriously. To protect against falls, employers should provide adequate fall protection systems and equipment such as guardrails, nets, covers, harnesses, ladders, etc. They should also ensure that employees are properly trained in the use of these systems and understand their importance in preventing serious injury or death from construction falls.
Falls are one of the most preventable risks associated with working in the construction industry, but unfortunately, many construction sites lack proper equipment and training that could save lives and reduce injuries.
Employers must ensure their employees have access to fall protection systems such as guardrails and personal fall arrest systems like harnesses and lanyards. In addition, providing adequate instruction on how to use safety equipment properly will further help protect construction workers from falls and other dangerous construction accidents.
By taking adequate measures to provide equipment, proper training, and a safe worksite, construction employers can help to protect workers from the four biggest causes of injury or death in the construction industry today. Taking these steps is essential for keeping construction workers safe and ensuring that construction sites are free from danger.
By having the right equipment and protocols in place, construction sites have an increased chance of avoiding serious injuries or fatalities due to construction falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, or getting caught in/between hazards. As such, it is important for construction employers to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their workforce and reduce risks.
What Else Causes Falls on Construction Sites?
Unstable ground can be caused by a variety of issues including soil erosion or settling ground after heavy rains or flooding. Improperly used safety gear such as harnesses and lanyards is also a major factor in falls from heights. The most important part of avoiding falls is ensuring that proper safety equipment is used correctly and regularly inspected for any signs of wear or damage.
Speaking with their state health administration and consulting labor statistics are invaluable resources for any construction company looking to protect its workers prior to beginning a job on-site. This could be the difference between having an accident-free work environment and fatal accidents that lead to wrongful death claims.
Cause of Fall: Aerial Lift Accidents
Aerial lift fall accidents are a common cause of injury and death in the construction industry. They account for between 2 and 3% of construction workers. Many construction workers use aerial lifts to perform their jobs, but due to the height and instability of these machines, fall accidents can be serious and even fatal. When an accident occurs, it is important to quickly identify the hazard that caused it so that appropriate preventative measures can be taken.
Again it is important to remember, employers must take proactive steps to ensure that employees who use aerial lifts understand how to safely operate them and recognize potential fall hazards. This includes providing proper training on the safe operation of the equipment, safe gear, and safety nets; establishing rules for fall protection systems such as personal fall arrest systems or guardrails; and conducting regular inspections of all equipment before use.
Employers giving the right safety instructions prior to the workers going into the field can and does prevent future catastrophic injuries. Untrained workers are a hazard in themselves.
Wrongful Death Claims in Texas
Generally, wrongful death claims in Texas can arise when someone is killed due to the fault of another person or business. This can include fatal falls, deaths caused by negligent safety equipment and work-related fatalities.
Usually, WD claims are filed by an individual’s surviving family members or estate representatives on behalf of their loved one.
In a wrongful death claim in Texas involving a workplace accident, workers’ compensation benefits may be available depending on the circumstances.
To qualify for these benefits, survivors must prove that the victim was employed at the time of their injury or death and that the injury was sustained while performing job duties that were within the scope of their employment.
If the equipment was not properly maintained and led to a fatal accident, the equipment manufacturer may be held responsible for wrongful death damages. In this case, equipment should have been properly maintained and inspected to ensure it was functioning properly and that no safety hazard posed an unreasonable risk of harm or injury.
In any fatal accident due to another party’s negligence, survivors of the victim may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of companionship and mental anguish. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible in order to protect your rights. An experienced attorney can help determine who is liable and if you should pursue a wrongful death claim in Texas.
Construction Site Owners are Responsible for Worker Safety
The private construction industry is one of the most hazardous industries in which to work. Despite efforts to improve safety standards and protocols, construction worker fatalities remain a significant issue in the United States.
Construction site owners have an obligation to ensure that their workers are safe while on-site by providing personal fall arrest systems, safety equipment, and other necessary precautionary measures.
Owners must also ensure that any subcontractors they employ comply with OSHA regulations and understand their own responsibility for worker safety. Failure to do so can result in personal injury or death, as well as costly legal action from aggrieved parties.
If you have lost someone you love to unforeseen accidents in a construction area, please contact the Law Offices of RRK immediately for further information about their rights.
If you have other legal questions on Personal Injury, Family Law or Criminal Law, you can find them on the RRK Law Office Main Blog Page and on our home page of RRK Law. We are here to help.
