Construction Work – 5 Leading Causes of Injury

Author: Auger Law | November 12th, 2014

If you work in the construction trade, you may have been alerted to a rise in accidents in recent years. Site safety is the responsibility of everyone, from the job foreman to the clean-up crew. Site safety is your responsibility.

You can increase the safety of everyone on the site when you know how to prevent accidents. Here are the top five causes of construction-related injury.

1. Uneven SurfacesUneven surfaces are one of the most common contributors to slips and falls. Reduce the risk of these injuries by clearly designating walkways, provide traction underfoot, and provide adequate lighting. If you need to carry unbalanced loads, utilize mechanical lifting aids instead of your arms.
2. ObstaclesOther accidents occur because there are things in the way, either clearly visible or largely unnoticed. Reduce accidents by keeping the site organized, plan deliveries and put those deliveries in designated areas, and collect waste regularly.
3. Trailing CablesKeep cables off of the ground whenever possible to reduce trips and falls. Cables trailing along the ground behind power tools and lighting equipment pose hazards. Keep cables tacked at high levels, particularly in corridors where people may not see them clearly.
4. Slippery SurfacesWet or otherwise slippery surfaces are a danger anywhere, but are especially dangerous on construction sites. Wipe up spills immediately. Treat any slippery surface with grit or stone to provide extra traction for those walking on the site. If there are areas of the site that are perpetually wet, post a sign at eye level warning everyone of the situation.
5. Changes in LevelUnlike uneven surfaces, changes in level are those caused by doorways and other walk-throughs. Thresholds can be dangerous, especially for anyone carrying a load of materials that blocks their line of vision to the ground. Consider installing ramps where possible. If ramps are not an option, install signs alerting workers to changes in level to keep everyone safe.Thousands of construction workers are injured every year because of trips and falls. While some of the injuries are minor, requiring no medical attention, others result in broken bones, dislocated joints and, in the worst cases, death. If you work on a construction site, you must share responsibility for your safety. Unfortunately, even your cooperation is not enough to keep a work site safe.If you have been injured on a construction site through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and even lost wages. At Auger & Auger, we specialize in construction accidents.We are here to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We will be happy to discuss the events with you and advise you further. Reach out to us today so that you may get what you deserve.