Construction workers, roofers, first-line supervisors, electricians, carpenters, and others who work in the private construction industry are at high risk of serious injuries. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 5 workplace fatalities are in the construction industry. Non-fatal construction accidents can have devastating consequences, and victims may sustain spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, accidental amputations, blindness, scarring, broken or fractured bones, internal hemorrhaging, and soft tissue trauma.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are 4 main types of fatal construction site accidents:
- Falling from heights (36.9% of construction deaths)
- Being struck by an object (10.3% of construction deaths)
- Being electrocuted (8.9% of construction deaths)
- Getting caught in between objects (2.6% of construction deaths)
Tips to Increase Your Safety at a Construction Site
Construction employers and general contractors have a responsibility to provide adequate safety equipment and training to employees, per OSHA regulations. Failure to do so could lead to catastrophic injuries. It is important to have the proper training to handle machinery, electrical wiring, and industrial vehicles. You also need to have the necessary safety equipment, such as a hard hat and safety harness, when working on scaffolding or other locations at a construction site. Using proper safety equipment and getting necessary training can help increase your safety at work.
The Law Offices of Wax & Wax provides compassionate legal services to injured clients. If you have been injured in a construction accident or other type of workplace incident, you have the right to seek financial relief in a workers’ comp claim. Call our Glendale attorneys today at (818) 946-0608 for a free consultation.