World

Types of Accidents That Can Be Avoided On Construction Sites

Published

2 years ago

October 12, 2022

Construction sites are dangerous places. In fact, construction workers have some of the most dangerous jobs in America. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fatal work injuries occurred at a rate of 10.1 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers in 2018. Construction workers’ leading causes of death were falls, being struck by an object, and electrocutions.

While construction accidents can’t always be prevented, some types of accidents are more likely to occur than others. By being aware of the most common types of accidents on construction sites and taking steps to avoid them, you can help keep yourself and your coworkers safe.

Accidents Caused by Defective Equipment

Another common type of accident that occurs on construction sites is when a worker is injured by defective equipment. To prevent this type of accident, construction companies should regularly inspect all equipment before it is used. In addition, workers should be properly trained on how to use the equipment and be aware of any hazards associated with it. If any defects are found, the equipment should be repaired or replaced before it is used again. Unfortunately, with all the construction in NYC, there has been more than one occasion of a New York crane accident.

Accidents Caused by Falling Objects

Being struck by an object accounts for about 8% of all construction worker deaths. This type of accident can be prevented by using fall protection systems like barriers, nets, and guardrails. Workers should also be properly trained on how to use these systems. In addition, construction companies should create a policy that requires all workers to wear hard hats when they are on site.

You should also be aware of your surroundings at all times and stay clear of areas where objects could potentially fall from above. If you see something falling, don’t try to catch it—get out of the way as quickly as possible to avoid being hit by it. Lastly, if you are working above ground level, take extra care to ensure that tools and materials are secured, so they don’t accidentally fall on those working below.

Accidents Caused By Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are another common types of accident that occurs on construction sites. These accidents can be prevented by keeping the work area clean and free of debris. In addition, workers should be trained on how to safely use ladders and scaffolding. In addition, flooring should be slip-resistant to help prevent these types of accidents.

To avoid falls, always use caution when working at height. Ensure scaffolding is properly assembled and all guardrails are in place before beginning work. When using ladders, make sure they are the correct size and weight capacity for the job and that they are positioned correctly before climbing. Lastly, watch your step around holes in floors and walls—they should be covered with warning signs or barriers to prevent accidental falls.

Accidents Caused By Chemical Exposure

Construction workers are often exposed to hazardous chemicals while working on a site. This exposure can lead to serious health problems like respiratory issues and skin irritation. To protect workers from these hazards, construction companies should provide them with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In addition, workers should be properly trained on how to safely use and handle the chemicals they are exposed to.

Accidents Caused By Electrical Shock

Another hazard that construction workers face is electrical shock. This can occur when workers come into contact with live electrical wires or components. To avoid this hazard, workers should always assume that any wire or component they come into contact with is live and take the necessary precautions to avoid coming into contact with it. In addition, all electrical work should be done by a certified electrician.

Final Thoughts

Construction work comes with many risks, but some accidents can be avoided if the right safety measures are in place. By taking precautions like using fall protection systems, inspecting equipment regularly, keeping the work area clean, and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), construction companies can help prevent accidents and keep their workers safe.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.