Construction workers are exposed to hazards in the workplace that may cause death or serious injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), four hazards are responsible for construction fatalities.
These include falling off ladders or scaffold platforms, getting caught in or between equipment, electrocution, and being struck by an object.
Most common injuries in the construction industry
Injuries are common in the construction industry, and some of them are severe enough to prevent you from continuing with your work. The most common injuries that a worker can sustain include:
- Back injury
- Bone fracture
- Burns
- Concussion
- Cuts and lacerations
- Electrocutions
- Head injuries
- Laceration
- Neck injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
Every one of these injuries will require medical attention as these injuries can cause permanent damage or even death.
Tips to prevent construction site accidents
Accidents may have been caused by unsafe conditions on the job site, so it’s important to know how to prevent them. Here are some tips to help prevent construction site fatalities:
- Ensure all workers are given the chance to receive proper safety training
- Step on and off ladders and scaffolds carefully
- Inspect the site frequently
- Report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor or site manager immediately so they can be fixed before anyone gets hurt
- Ensure that you follow all safety guidelines and procedures to avoid any mishaps
- Construction workers must always wear ear defenders, safety boots, safety goggles, and other protective gear when entering a work zone
- Be vigilant for electrical hazards
What to do after a construction accident
Construction accidents are a common occurrence in the industry. They can happen at any point in the construction process as a result of someone’s recklessness.
If you’ve been involved in such an accident, you may be worried about how to move forward with your compensation claim. Take some essential steps after the accident to guarantee your claim is handled correctly and to ensure it has a better chance at success.
1. Seek medical attention
If you are involved in an accident on a construction site, don’t hesitate to seek medical care right away.
Injuries sustained in construction work are often serious and would require medical attention without delay.
The specialist will document your injuries and provide you with a copy of the medical report. This report is essential in helping all parties understand the severity of your injury and the insurance company will be more likely to provide compensation for treatment or lost wages.
2. Report the accident
Report any accidents that happen on the job site to your immediate supervisor.
Be sure to give details about how the accident happened. A written record of your experience will help you with making claims and possible lawsuits. It’s also good practice in the long run because it keeps other employees safe from getting injured from similar situations in the future.
3. Gather evidence
To prove your case, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of injuries sustained and the accident scene. Write down every detail that you can remember.
See if any witnesses can help corroborate your account of the accident.
4. Contact a construction accident lawyer
When you’re involved in a construction accident, you end up dealing with big operations. These operations could be the company you work for; which will want to cover up the damages and keep you from seeking compensation or the insurance companies that are interested only in minimizing their financial losses.
A seasoned lawyer can help guide you through this critical time and help you navigate through the complex legal system.
Get in touch with one of our California construction accident lawyers at LionsGate Law Group today!