The Most Common Causes Of Construction Accidents.
Construction workers have a hazardous job. According to statistics, about four in every one hundred construction workers is injured annually. These hazards that occur on the sites can be unsafe and lead to severe health issues for the workers. Below are some of the main causes of these construction accidents.
Falls From High Heights.
Construction workers are normally often required to work at high heights. They will use ladders to get to the windows and roofs and through this process, get injured. This happens when the ladders are unsecured or due to scaffolding. One can get broken bones, fractures or even lose their life. It is best practice to ensure that the ladders are used correctly and also avoiding to set them up in dangerous places. All walkways also need to be appropriately guarded while using scaffolding so that there is a safe route from the site.
Falling Objects.
Construction workers may be struck by objects such as beams and debris from above, during the transfer of spare parts between scaffolding. If the communication from the people above is poor, one may not hear the warning and therefore fail to get out of the way. The injuries from this situation can vary from minor cuts to even brain injuries.
Electrocutions.
It is normal to find exposed wiring in a construction site since the work is ongoing. However, this may cause accidents since people may trip over loose cables. There are also exposed power lines and some electrical systems that are unfinished and lying around. Being close to these wiring and lines can cause anything from a mild shock to electrocution that could be very serious.
Getting Caught Between Objects.
There are heavy machinery and materials in the sites. You could get caught between these pieces of equipment very fast. You could suffer from serious injuries as a result of that.
Overexertion.
It is draining to work for long hours doing physical labor. This is especially hard in hot and humid climates. Many workers have no choice but to carry on to do the job since they depend on it. However, this is very risky since they could get heat stroke in the process. It is crucial to avoid overexerting oneself so that your health is optimum for better working experience.
Defective Equipment.
The tools used in the sites should be tested and maintained regularly. If they become defective, it is prudent to have them fixed or replaced since the worker may sue you leaving you liable for compensation. It is therefore essential to ensure that you have overseen the repairs if you are the one in charge.
When construction workers are injured, their health and livelihood are affected and those of their families. They can lead to very expensive hospital bills, medication and also financial hardships since you may not be able to get back to work. If you are caught up in these construction accidents, it is prudent to hire the services of a personal injury lawyer if the employer is not willing to offer compensation for the injuries incurred.
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