According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2014, 4,679 workers were killed in work accidents in the United States – on average, close to 90 a week or more than 13 deaths each day. The OSHA also reports that 1 in 10 construction workers are injured every year. The CDC reports that in 2009, the highest number of fatal injuries was among construction workers compared to any other industry in the private sector. Workers in construction account for 15% of reported lead poisoning in the US.
Staying safe on a construction site is vital. You can only do so much though. So much is out of your control. If someone else is negligent and it costs you your health, you need to call RMFW at 212-344-1000 and get us involved.
Among all dangerous working environments, construction sites have the highest injury rate. There are ways to ensure that construction workers are safe. Here are ways to prevent construction site accidents:
Scaffolding Safety
Construction workers spend a large portion on scaffolding, often situated hundreds of meters above the ground. Scaffolding falls are the source of most injuries and account for over 30% of fatalities in the industry.
It is important to prevent scaffolding with regular maintenance and daily inspection of the structural design, leveling, sway, instability in weather conditions and the number of personnel that is using the equipment.
Electrocution
Exposed electrical wiring is a common on-site hazard and poses a real threat to construction crews as well as the public passing by. It is possible to avoid electrocution if employers make sure that all wires are labeled correctly and moved away from high traffic areas. Electricity should also be switched off and the correct insulation should be used. The crew should also be made aware of where all power lines are laid.
Taking such precautions is important and it can help save many lives.
Elevator Shafts
Elevator shafts are a common on high-rise construction sites and they are extremely dangerous. There is a risk of the construction crew plummeting down the shaft as they are often left unprotected. There is also the danger of a shaft collapsing.
Regardless of its height off the ground, shafts require maintenance as well as effective fall protection. It is mandatory to have guard rails, sufficient elevator operation training, safety nets and a highly effective emergency response.
Machinery Accidents
Heavy-duty motorized equipment is commonly used in construction. Many crews have lost their lives as a result of inadequate training, defective equipment, and lack of focus. Employers and crew do not only put their lives in danger, but can also quickly turn a construction site into a danger zone.
Neglect on the part of employers in maintaining cranes, and operators unbalancing or overloading loads can lead to serious injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. It is critical for employers to make sure that their workers have adequate training in machinery operation so that serious injuries and deaths can be prevented.
RMFW Law Knows How to Win
If you or somebody you know has been grievously injured in a construction site accident, you should immediately seek the help of one of the experienced personal injury attorneys at RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. You can find out if you have a viable case if you give us a call.
The first meeting is free with us. RMFW Law knows how to win cases. We are consistent winners because of our work ethic and legal acumen. We know what a winning case appears like. We know what we have to do to tip the balance in our favor. We will not settle without your consent.
If we have to go to court, we can do that too. We will explain all the options to you. Give us a call, that is one action we cannot do for you.
