Repetitive motion injuries can be found in any industry, but construction sites can pose more serious threats. These injuries affect the back, neck, wrists, and other body parts, and can affect overall health and family finances. Some of these injuries can be permanent. For this reason, they’re important to recognize and prevent.
Falls
Falls at construction sites often happen because scaffolding or ladders collapse and cause a worker to lose their footing. They can also be caused by falling objects. Fortunately, workers are protected by law. However, some accidents can be fatal. Read on to learn more about the risk factors involved. Falls on construction sites can result in serious injuries or death.
Falls from heights are the most common cause of construction site injuries. They may occur off ladders, scaffolds, girders, stairwells, roofs, and moving vehicles. Workers may also fall down manholes, elevator shafts, and ditches. The most common injuries are broken bones, soft tissue strains, and contusions, but traumatic brain injury can occur as well.
Regardless of the cause of a construction site accident, a worker’s safety should always be the top priority. Using the proper safety equipment is crucial to prevent a serious injury. Workers must be aware of and understand all rules and regulations that apply to them. These laws are designed to protect the workers on construction sites.
The responsible parties for construction site accidents may include the property owner, safety equipment manufacturer, and third-party contractor. For example, a worker who falls through a non-obvious hole in a scaffold may sue the manufacturer of the harness he or she was wearing.
Tripping
A fall or trip on a construction site can be caused by many different factors. For example, workers can trip over debris or unsecured cables. They can also trip on hot or sharp surfaces. Moreover, tripping can also occur as a result of falling from scaffolding or coming into contact with moving equipment. To avoid tripping and falling, workers must always pay attention to where they are walking and where they are going.
Keeping the construction site clean is essential to prevent tripping and falls. Construction sites should have proper guardrails on stairs and around roof edges to prevent slips and falls. Proper lighting is another important safety measure. Additionally, workers should be trained on proper fall protection, as falling can lead to serious or fatal injuries.
Tripping and falls are the number one cause of workplace injuries on construction sites, and they account for nearly 25% of on-the-job deaths. While most falls and trips occur when people try to catch their balance, they can cause serious injuries and even death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that approximately 6.5 million people work on approximately 252,000 construction sites each day.
Slips and trips are common hazards on construction sites, but workers tend to ignore them. However, a fall or trip on a construction site can be caused by poor safety practices, as well. Injuries caused by a fall or trip on a construction site can be devastating and result in high costs. Prevention measures are key, as they can have a huge impact on a construction site’s safety culture.
Caught-in-between accidents
Caught-in-between accidents are extremely dangerous accidents that occur when a worker gets caught between two moving objects. These types of accidents are often caused by unsafe working conditions. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), caught-in-between accidents account for nearly half of all construction worker deaths.
Caught-in-between incidents happen when a worker is squeezed between two heavy objects, or his or her clothing or body part is caught between two objects. This can lead to crushing injuries, amputation, and even death. These accidents are the fourth most common type of catastrophic injury in the construction industry.
Caught-in-between accidents can be prevented by following a few safety rules on construction sites. The first step in preventing caught-in-between accidents is making sure all workers understand the rules and regulations on the construction site. Second, workers should ask their employers to provide them with personal protective gear.
Another way to prevent caught-in-between accidents is by avoiding heavy construction machinery. Using protective gear while working around heavy machinery and sharp edges is essential to avoid caught-in-between accidents. By following OSHA’s guidelines, construction workers can reduce the likelihood of caught-in-between accidents.
Workers injured in caught-in-between accidents on construction sites can file a workers’ compensation claim. These claims can provide compensation for medical bills related to their worksite injuries, and for partial reimbursement of their lost wages.
Unguarded machines
Unguarded machines on construction sites pose a significant risk to construction workers and to everyone on the job site. When workers work near unguarded machines, they can get entangled in moving parts or become trapped under them. Unguarded machines also pose a risk of electrocution, as moving parts can generate electrical current. Additionally, workers can be exposed to harmful materials, such as toxic mold, hot concrete, and falling objects. This is why proper training is crucial for workers working on construction sites.
Proper training and safety equipment are essential for workers and employers to prevent accidents. Keeping detailed records of any injuries can help prevent future accidents. The use of machine guards can also prevent injuries from falling objects. Workers should also wear the correct PPE when working around heavy machinery. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury or death.
Another common type of unguarded machine hazard is caught-in or struck-by injuries. These accidents occur when a worker gets pinned between moving objects or clothing. This can result in crushing, amputation, or strangulation. Unguarded machines on construction sites are one of the leading causes of catastrophic injury and death on the job.
Proper training for workers is essential for preventing accidents caused by unguarded machines. Workers should receive training when they are hired and receive refresher training as necessary. Employers should also ensure that all machines have safety features installed to prevent accidents from occurring. Finally, employers should take reports of unsafe behavior seriously and respond appropriately.
Unguarded cranes
There are many different types of accidents that can occur at a construction site, but one of the most common is an accident involving an unguarded crane. These accidents can be extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or even death. They can cause broken bones, amputations, and damage to internal organs. Even worse, they can leave a worker permanently disabled and unable to find gainful employment. For this reason, safety regulations are essential to crane operation.
The most common type of unguarded crane accident is caused by falling or swinging materials. The moving material can get caught in the path of the moving machinery and crush workers or property. This is why it’s important to train workers on the proper methods of rigging cranes and other heavy equipment.
Operators of unguarded cranes should always follow manufacturer safety guidelines. Before operating the crane, operators should check for any overhead power lines. If the powerlines are live, the crane operator must ground or de-energize the equipment before moving on. Operators should also follow OSHA guidelines for crane assembly and disassembly.
If you are injured by a crane, seek medical attention immediately. It’s very important to document your injury in a comprehensive manner because an injury without proof may ruin your case. Moreover, contacting the right lawyer can be crucial to a successful trial.
Unguarded hoists
One of the most common types of accidents that occurs on construction sites is the use of unguarded hoists. The heavy weight of these objects can cause lifelong injuries if they are not used properly. Fortunately, there are laws in New York that protect construction workers from accidents involving unguarded hoists.
The Industrial Code requires the use of hoists with a safety system that minimizes load swing. This prevents falling loads from striking people. Also, a load must not be more than 50 percent of its rated capacity. Lastly, it must have safety measures, such as anti-two-block devices and boom angle indicators. The hoist drum should also have a system to regulate its speed.
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