One out of every five workplace deaths is a construction worker, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, this doesn’t mean construction is unsafe. It simply means that everyone should exercise more caution due to the nature of the job.
Workers in construction must understand the potential hazards and use an effective safety and health program. As it stands, construction site accidents result in thousands of avoidable deaths and injuries every single year.
San Jose construction accident lawyer Robert Bohn of Bohn & Fletcher Attorneys at Law tells us if you were hurt in a construction accident, get in touch with an accident injury lawyer immediately after seeking medical attention. Though you have two years to file a claim in California, you’ll want to get compensation immediately to help pay for any medical bills due to the accident.
If, in fact, your accident happened in California, contact them to discuss your claim as well as your options for seeking reparation for the damages. With an understanding lawyer by your side, you can say goodbye to all of the stress that comes with legal action.
With all of that said, owners, operators, and employees can avoid accidents and death at construction sites. Thankfully, the industry has come a long way and it is one of the most adaptive industries.
Let’s take a look at three great ways to prevent injuries on construction sites.
1. Daily Safety Meetings
Construction environments often neglect the need for daily safety meetings. Employers should brief employees about the different safety hazards of each job site. Even if you work on the same site for a long time, hazards will change as the site does.
That is how daily safety meetings help to create safer environments. Daily safety meetings ensure that everyone stays up-to-date and on the same page. In these meetings, employers should reiterate health and safety standards, as well as proper risk assessment, to the entire team.
2. Reduced Night Work
Reducing the amount of night work is another way to avoid construction injuries. Late work hours and dark environments can pose a greater potential for accidents. If possible, minimize the amount of night work or at least limit it to a low-risk area of the site.
Many times, accidents increase at night due to fatigue. People are far less alert at night and reduced visibility also comes into play. These things all create the threat of otherwise avoidable accidents.
3. Proper Safety Gear
Construction sites are notorious for easily avoidable accidents and unforeseen safety hazards. Workers should wear proper safety gear at all times. Never neglect basic precautions, such as eye protection, hardhats, harnesses, and hearing protection.
Heavy-duty gloves, masks, and slip-resistant boots are also standard safety gear that workers must wear at all times on job sites.
With all the information above in mind, you can make the construction site a far safer place. However, when avoidable accidents do take place, speak to a construction accident lawyer to make sure you protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits and compensation from liable third parties.
