Common Injuries to Avoid on Your Construction Site

Construction sites involve significant risks of injury to workers. The reasons behind these injuries vary widely. While causes like blind spots or sheer carelessness are obvious, there’s often too much activity to monitor closely. However, becoming familiar with the most common types of injury will help you and your team be vigilant and avoid them in the future.

Slips and Falls

Tripping on debris, spills, and misplaced equipment can lead to serious injury, especially if these accidents occur at a height. Falls from rooftops, ladders, and scaffolding can prove debilitating or even deadly. It’s important that workers are reminded to be alert to their surroundings, to each other, and to use caution when climbing or carrying heavy and awkward loads.

Objects Falling

A fumbled tool, overtu ed bucket, or other object falling from above can do serious injury to passers-by at lower levels or on the ground. When a heavy object strikes someone in the head or neck area, serious injury to the brain or spinal cord can occur. Be certain that everyone takes precautions to properly secure tools and equipment, and that all personnel are wearing hardhats. Your workers should avoid walking directly below areas where work is going on.

Equipment Accidents

Machinery that’s used improperly or poorly maintained can break down. Forklifts, hoists, and conveyor belts can overtu or drop loads, while a nail gun can become a deadly weapon. Every heavy duty tool or piece of equipment represents potential danger to the operator and everyone in the immediate vicinity. Be certain that maintenance checks are done, safety precautions followed, and various equipment types used only by personnel that are trained in their use.

Fire and Fumes

Fire prevention on job sites is crucial. Flames, sparks, or overheating can result in burns, explosions, or the release of toxic fumes. This is a constant danger when working around fuels and chemicals. Working on older structures could mean leaking gas, faulty wiring, and further risks. No smoking of any kind should be allowed onsite. Areas where welding or other tasks involving heat or sparks are done should be cleared of all flammables first. Should the worst happen on one of your job sites, contact a construction site injury atto ey ASAP. Even one accident could result in costly lawsuits or setbacks that cause projects to fall behind schedule. You also have other risks such as increased insurance rates or being judged a bad risk on future contracts.