Working in construction sites definitely presents unique challenges that can adversely affect your life in more ways than you can imagine. As goal-oriented as you might be, you should exercise caution while executing tasks in such a hazardous environment. After all, you can’t be of any help to your loved ones when injured. According to verified statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least two construction workers die daily due to work-related injuries in the U.S. Often, one in every five occupational fatality is related to the construction industry. As a construction worker, you should be familiar with the top 3 common construction site injuries:
Falls
Injuries derived from falls are predominantly split into two main categories: falls on the same level characterized by trips and slips, and falls from heights which serve as the leading causes of mortalities in the construction industry. Usually, fall hazards manifest when unsuspecting workers fall victim to surfaces without robust support structures, surfaces with roof and openings and an over-reliance on ladders and scaffolds.
According to a comprehensive study conducted between 1992 and 2005, researchers concluded that 33% of fatalities in the construction sector stemmed from roofs while a subsequent 16% and 18% could be attributed to ladders and scaffolding respectively. As a construction worker, it’s imperative to consider adopting the following preventive measures to safeguard your safety:
Keeping work areas well illuminated
Maintaining tidy work surfaces free of clutter
Complying with safety regulations for roofs, scaffolds, and ladders
Using ideal fall protection equipment such as safety net and guardrail systems
Being Struck By Objects
According OSHA definitions, being struck essentially refers to injuries sustained through adverse contact with equipment, such as falling tools. Often, injuries sustained from a collision with objects can be prevented by wearing personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, helmets, gloves and exercising acute awareness of your immediate environment. As a construction worker, you should be prepared to implement additional measures such as:
Keeping a safe distance from suspended equipment
Loading materials properly to prevent them from sliding or falling
Desisting from driving vehicles in reverse gear especially when the rear view is blocked
Avoiding situations characterized by standing between fixed and moving objects
Electrocution
While electrocutions are widely considered to be the most severe, especially when they contribute to cardiac arrests, muscular damage and adverse nerve damage, burns have proven to be the most common type of injury. Such injuries can be attributed to an unsafe work environment and practices as well as unsafe equipment installations.
To improve safety standards, construction workers must consider conducting proper insulation and using electrical protective devices to significantly lowering the chances for electrocution injuries. For employees working with electrical equipment, it’s imperative to follow basic safety protocols such as:
Wearing personal protective equipment
Using insulated protective devices
Keeping safe distances from energized parts
At Loscalzo & Loscalzo, P.C., we have cultivated a reputation for going above and beyond to provide exceptional legal representation to our diverse clientele. For over four decades, we have attained tons of experience representing victims of personal injuries. With our assistance, we shall diligently analyze information to craft the most compelling defense and ensure sufficient compensation is disseminated to alleviate your pain. As a customer in need, feel free to contact us today at (646) 846-4776 and learn how we can best assist you.