Construction workers are among the most common casualties on a construction site. Back injuries are some of the most common injuries that construction workers can experience. These can range from lower back pain to spinal injury and even paralysis. As such, employers and employees need to be aware of the most prevalent causes of these injuries so they can be avoided to minimize the risk fall protection solutions.
Injuries are generally categorized into two major types: repetitive and traumatic injuries. Repetitive injuries involve the same or similar problem recurring in a worker’s daily working routine. Examples include pain and musculoskeletal problems like back or neck injuries that constantly occur in a construction worker’s daily routine. Traumatic injuries are not caused by the same thing or situation that repeatedly happens over time but are often caused by a single incident occurring during work. A slip and falls are one of the most common causes of accidents that cause personal injury to construction workers.
Types of Injuries on Construction Sites:
1. Falling from heights:
Falls from heights are the most common cause of injuries among construction workers. This is because over half of all fatalities occur from falls of 10 feet or more. The top reasons for fall accidents are a lack of safety precautions and failure by workers to use personal safety equipment like safety harnesses, fall protection systems, and guardrails. There are many ways to prevent falls on construction sites. Fall protection systems can be installed to ensure workers’ safety when working at height. There are also methods to reduce the risk of falling on construction sites, such as installing guardrails.
2. Trench collapse:
Trench collapse is another common cause of fatality. Trench collapse occurs when the ground gives way, often due to improper excavation. If the soil is not supported correctly while excavation is being made, it can cause the ground to collapse. This often results in serious injuries or death. To prevent this, it is essential to ensure that work areas are adequately shored up with adequate support and guards to prevent the trench from collapsing. Good drainage and water control can also prevent the risk of a trench collapse. Workers should also be adequately trained on how to excavate safely in a trench. Deaths and injuries resulting from trench collapse are often preventable by following simple safety procedures.
3. Collapsed scaffolding:
Scaffolding collapses are another very common cause of injuries on construction sites. Scaffolding collapse is a serious risk in the construction industry since it often occurs without warning. Although it is difficult to prevent scaffoldings from collapsing completely, there are several precautions that can be put into place to minimize the risk of these types of injuries. One such precaution involves ensuring that the scaffoldings are secure and locked into place before work is conducted on them. If the scaffold is to be removed at any point, workers must first secure and lock the scaffolding. Workers should also use fall protection for all operations involving the removal of scaffolding since it will eliminate the risk of falls.
4. Electric shock and or arc flash/blast:
There are many hazards associated with electricity on construction sites. One such hazard is live electrical conductors that people might come into contact with. This can occur when workers have not properly identified and marked the location of electrical wires and cables. Another common cause of electric shock and arc flash/blast on construction sites is the improper use of electrical tools or equipment. Using an extension cord without a ground will result in a severe electric shock risk, as well as using fixtures or equipment that is not adequately grounded.
Options Available for Injured Construction Workers:
Construction workers face a high risk of injury every day. These risks can be reduced by providing proper safety equipment and training as well as following common sense precautions. While these precautions can prevent many injuries, every construction worker should know their rights and what to do in different situations. In the event of an injury or accident, workers should be aware of their rights as well as their employer’s duties towards them.
Many people who suffer injuries on construction sites will be entitled to legal recourse. Construction workers are covered by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, which provides protection for workers who suffer an injury or illness in the workplace. If a worker is injured due to his employer’s negligence, he can seek compensation for his injury and other losses related to the incident. The employer is legally obligated to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their workers. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries occurring in their workplace.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits:
One of the benefits available to injured workers is workers’ compensation. The workers’ compensation system provides financial support for income replacement and medical treatment for injured employees. It also provides death benefits to dependents of employees who suffer a fatal work-related injury or illness. The amount of compensation an employee receives is determined by the State in which he works. However, Federal legislation sets basic standards that are followed by all states. In Florida, workers’ compensation laws apply even if an employee works for a federal contractor or subcontractor. The regulations and guidelines of the workers’ compensation system are strongly enforced. If a worker is injured at work, he should consult an attorney for legal assistance.
Third-Party Lawsuit Claims:
If an injury occurs while on the job and a worker believes his employer is responsible for his injury, he can file a third-party lawsuit against the employer. The injured worker might also be able to bring a claim for negligence against other parties, such as other employees or any other individuals or entities involved in the process of construction or demolition. Any individual who is involved in the construction of buildings, structures, or other work-related activities can also be held liable for injuries that occur during these processes. It is important to understand that filing a third-party lawsuit does not affect a worker’s compensation claim.
Conclusion:
Construction workers are at a high risk of accidental injury and death. Responsible precautions are essential to decrease the risk of these types of damages. Workers should be aware of steps to be taken to ensure their safety on construction sites and remember that they have rights in the event they suffer an injury or illness during their work. A worker’s compensation claim is not affected by third-party claims against an employer or other parties involved in a construction site.
