Common Construction Site Accidents and Who’s Liable
There are many dangers in any kind of workplace environment, but the stakes are higher in construction. According to Procore, 20% of the annual number of all deaths among US workers are in construction sites.
With all the dangers on a construction site, it is always best to exercise caution whether you are a worker or visiting the site for some reason. Falls and equipment malfunction pose some hazards.
Injuries on the construction site are sudden incidents that could leave you confused about what to do. According to construction accident lawyer Dayton C. Meadows V, it can be challenging to understand which parties are at fault and how to secure compensation if you don’t have proper legal representation. The duty of your lawyer is to see to it that you receive compensation to cover injury-related costs.
Determining who is responsible in a construction accident has never been a simple task. This is also because liability can be shared among more than one party.
Let us look at the most common construction site accidents and who may be held liable for them.
Common Types of Construction Site Accidents
The most common injury in construction sites is a fall from height, which happens either when there is a lack of stringent security measures or improper use of ladders.
Machinery accidents stand as a major threat too, be it being struck by moving equipment or a mishap involving a crane. Slips and trips are common. They are usually caused by a surface that is not level or debris scattered around.
Another hazard that is serious is an electrical one. Workers can experience being electrocuted through exposed wiring or a faulty tool.
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Causes of Construction Site Accidents
Lack of proper training is mostly responsible for accidents, as one’s ability to use tools or machinery is affected. Complex issues that are not addressed properly can lead to accidents.
Unsafe working conditions like blocked passages or malfunctioning machines build further risks of an accident.
Fatigue is also a big factor. Your mind unfortunately tends to wander when you tire out, increasing the chances of a mistake. Lack of proper safety gear can also result in unnecessary exposure to injury. Once these have been recognized, you and your colleagues can plan for a work environment that is safer.
Legal Implications of Construction Site Accidents
Construction accidents can cause grave injuries, with certain legal implications affecting all manner of cases and sometimes equally so. You may face laws and regulations affecting not only workers but also contractors and site owners.
Understanding workers’ compensation laws is critical, as they might very well stipulate how injured parties are supported. Negligence claims, such as unsafe working conditions or defects in equipment, should be taken into account.
You need to document everything when dealing with construction accidents. Documenting everything helps you understand the legalities and obtain fair compensation. Practicing and seeking the advice of legal experts while tackling such extreme situations is more than necessary. Your rights matter and your safety does, too.
Determining Liability in Construction Accidents
In construction accidents, determining liability can be complicated, especially since many parties can share some measure of actual liability. Whether the license to operate work sites is on contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners all depends on the circumstances.
But once an injury goes, evidence would have to be collected to support your claim, including written accounts of the accident from witnesses, photographs of the scene, and so forth. Among other things, being abreast of the applicable state laws would help guide you on how to deal with your worker’s compensation claim.
Since all cases are unique, determining who is truly liable can sometimes take weeks or even months. The involvement of attorneys assures you that the truth will eventually be known.
Preventative Measures for Construction Site Safety
Construction sites are already hazardous on their own. That is why there are preventive measures placed to minimize the possibility of accidents. Safety instructions apply to all members of the workforce.
Consistent training is one of the key ingredients in building a safety culture, wherein various employees can take ownership of each other’s safety. The installation of warning signs should be done to inform workers of potential hazards. Obstructions should be cleared from walkways in efforts to minimize tripping and falling.
Use PPE as required. The availability of helmets, gloves, and goggles is indispensable. Routine workplace inspections should be enforced. Taking such measures would shed light on the impending hazards capable of causing accidents. Communication should flow freely. If a person observes a potential hazard, he or she should be allowed to report it without thinking of any kind of repercussion.
In establishing an environment that supports safety, one also contributes toward a healthier work environment for all.
