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From the local mom and pop shop in your town to the tallest commercial skyscrapers in the world, construction crews are responsible for helping bring the buildings we need in our daily lives to life. These skilled men and women perform incredible tasks and work to convert a flat piece of ground into a finished functional building. But, as part of their daily tasks, they put themselves at extreme risk in performing their duties. There are several reasons these operations can end in tragedy, even when proper safety measures are in place.
Each year, over 1000 people die in the US from construction site accidents and many more than that are injured. Construction sites can be extremely dangerous places, and here is a list of some of the top causes of construction site accidents:
- Unsafe working conditions-Some construction sites are dangerous simply because of where they are located, or the conditions the workers but deal with. For instance, those who are working on very tall buildings or working in bad weather can face extreme peril as part of their construction site duties.
- Improper or insufficient protection worn for the task-Proper protection is vital on construction sites and while hardhats are a required staple, there are many other types of protection that may be necessary depending on the job. Eye goggles, elbow and knee pads, and hearing protection are a few items that should often be worn but are often either not provided or simply not utilized by the worker. Not wearing such protection can lead to a variety of construction site accident injuries.
- Lack of maintenance of equipment-Construction sites are home to an extreme variety of equipment and if any of it is old, worn out, or simply not properly maintained, this could lead to a dangerous construction site accident. Ensuring that all equipment is in perfect working order is vital to keeping each person safe while on the construction site.
- Insufficient safety training-There are many safety protocols that must be adhered to on a construction site to ensure the safety of the workers. If proper safety training has not been delivered, this can lead to worker not following proper procedures and thus increase the chances that a construction site accident will occur. Proper safety training should be provided regularly to all members of any construction crew.
- Improperly marked hazard areas on construction site-Signage that warns others of construction site hazards should be well posted. These could include notifying others of open holes that exist, the possibility of falling debris, or warning others of a possible risk of electrocution in certain areas. Failure to post such warnings is another common cause of construction site accidents.
With proper planning and due diligence, the incidence of construction site accidents can be greatly lessened. If you find yourself on a construction site, take heed to the list above and take all necessary precautions to stay free from injury. If you believe you have been injured on a construction site due to negligence, it is recommended to secure the services of a law firm who has experience in dealing with cases involved construction site accidents. They can help work to uncover any safety hazards or negligent behavior that led to your injury and help recover the financial compensation you may be owed.
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