The Most Common Hazards Found On Construction Sites

Construction companies are required by law to ensure that their employees are able to work in a safe environment where the probability of accidents or construction site hazards are lessened to the greatest degree possible. Below our construction accident law firm provides an explanation of the different types of construction site hazards that can occur while on the job.

Collapsing Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a necessary part of many construction jobs, and collapses can occur. Both the worker on the scaffolding, as well as those near the collapsed scaffolding, can be injured. Since an outside company is typically responsible for erecting the scaffolding, they may be able to be held liable if an accident occurs due to their negligence.

On-the-Job Auto Accidents

Transporting equipment, people, or other supplies is also a necessity on a construction site. Wrecks and other accidents can cause injuries to employees, or even others passing by a construction zone.

Objects Falling

Equipment or other items on a job site may accidentally fall from top floors of unfinished buildings, or from cranes or scaffolding. Injuries can occur, especially if an employee has failed to remember to wear a hard-hat or to utilize proper safety precautions.

Exposed Rebar

Rebar with protruding ends is a dangerous construction site hazard. Impalement or other serious injury may occur if accidents happen near exposed pieces of rebar.

Health Hazards Within the Working Environment

Companies must lessen the risk of exposure to certain chemicals sometimes used in the construction business, like asbestos or other dangerous chemicals. These construction site hazards can sometimes present long-lasting health risks to employees.

Falling

Proper safety precautions are also necessary for employees working at great heights, where harnesses must be used, and regulations must be met at all times to ensure a safe working environment.

The Use of Power Tools

Inadequate training and/or untrained employees pose a great risk to both themselves and their fellow co-workers. Equipment that is not maintained well, or might even be defective, can also pose a risk resulting in injuries sustained through electrocution or even dismemberment. Furthermore, employees might stand to lose their hearing even from properly using the right equipment for a long period of time.

Risk of Electrocution

Workers that are not careful about electricity at a construction site can pose an electrocution risk to themselves and others. Additionally, bad wiring or an improperly constructed electrical system can also be construction site hazards.

Ladder Usage

Improperly positioned ladders can fall, causing harm to both the person on the ladder and anyone that might be close to the accident. Co-workers on the ground might also bump the ladder, causing a fall. Additionally, ladders could be defective and not able to hold their specific weight limit.

As evidenced by the examples above, construction work can sometimes pose many risks to its employees. However, construction companies must do everything possible to help mitigate the chance of construction site hazards causing injury, prolonged sickness, or even death, from occurring at the work site. If a company is found negligent in keeping their employees safe from such hazards, an aggrieved employee might be eligible to bring a construction site hazard lawsuit against their employer.

Proving that a work site was unsafe can often be a complex issue. Numerous obstacles may stand in the way of you receiving just compensation for your claim.

Employers may have workers comp insurance (or pretend to have workers comp) in order to prevent you from bringing a lawsuit against them. If you are hurt on the job you should consult an injured worker attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure your rights are upheld.

Additionally, many construction companies designate their employees as contractors, effectively, in your employer’s mind, negating the necessary employer-employee relationship needed to establish a lawsuit. Construction accident attorneys know this tactic and can seek to prove, using case law, that, despite what word your employer uses to define you, you are an employee and able to seek fair compensation for injuries sustained as a result of construction site hazards.