The Unnecessary Dangers of Working Construction

A career in the construction industry often means grueling hours and hard work. Due to the use of heavy equipment and dangerous products, the risk of accidents is also higher than in most other professions. Employers therefore need to adhere to acceptable safety standards to protect employees and the public.

Safety standards will depend on factors such as the site environment, scope of the project and the equipment or products used in the construction process. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is heavily involved in ensuring the safety of workers on construction sites.

OSHA is tasked with informing laws, processes, inspections and other safeguards in the workplace. Through this work, the aim is to improve onsite conditions and help reduce accident and injury numbers in various industries.

Heavy Equipment Accidents

There are inherent risks when working with certain types of heavy equipment. One lapse of concentration can lead to a serious accident and injury. However, there are standards and laws in place to ensure such equipment is reasonably safe.

If you have suffered injuries using heavy equipment, your employer or another entity may be liable. Unsafe equipment, lack of safety gear and poor training are just some of the issues that could put you in harm’s way. When you go to work, a reasonable level of safety is expected. Consider the circumstances of your accident and whether injuries could have been avoided.

Electrocution & Burns

When you work in environments that involve constructing buildings, electrical installations are typically a core part of the process. Unfortunately, shoddy work and defects can result in employees getting electrocuted. This is not necessarily an occupational hazard. If you suffer injury or lose a loved one to electrocution, you have the right to seek compensation.

Burns may result from electrocution, unsafe equipment or dangerous chemicals. When those who are responsible for safety fall short of acceptable standards, you may have a case for compensation. This type of injury can range from first to fourth “degree,” which denotes the seriousness of injury. First degree is least serious with fourth degree representing the worst level of burns.

Falling Objects

“Watch out below!” is not an utterance you want to hear on a construction site. The falling object could be anything from a thin piece of timber to heavy equipment. If you are in the path of a falling object, the likelihood of suffering injuries is very real. In many cases, this type of scenario is down to poor or abandoned safety protocols.

Falling objects are sometimes heavy, sharp or otherwise likely to cause injuries. Wearing safety equipment, such as a hardhat, can protect you from serious injury. However, depending on the elevation and type of object involved, there is also the prospect of construction workers suffering serious injury or death.

Scaffolding Accidents

If you are working on a project to build a large building, scaffolding provides easy accessibility. These structures, which are constructed rapidly out of various materials, are not always safe. However, there are standards in place to ensure that construction managers erect scaffolding according to accepted standards in Georgia.

Depending on the type of scaffolding, you may need to use a harness as part of your job. Another consideration includes the likelihood of falling objects causing injury. If you feel unsafe, it is important to inform your employers and do not engage in practices that could put you at risk.

If you have been injured in a construction accident in Georgia, call the offices of Dwayne L. Brown for a consultation. We look forward to helping you fight for compensation for your injuries.