The construction industry is one of the most dangerous in the United States, and it usually has either the most or the second-most fatalities per year. Thousands of workers lose their lives, while many more suffer serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries.
The main four ways that these accidents happen are known as the Fatal Four. They are: Falls, electrocutions, struck-by accidents and stuck-between accidents. Below are a few steps workers can take to avoid them.
Maintain electrical equipment
For electrocution accidents, one of the biggest issues is that the tools or cords are not maintained properly. This can lead to overheating, shocks, exposed live wires and other electrical issues. Proper maintenance can prevent these accidents.
Set up fall protection systems
To prevent falls, workers should use fall protection systems, such as a fall arrest system or a fall prevention system. Examples include railings, tethers, harnesses and more. Some systems stop falls by blocking dangerous areas, while other systems will catch a worker after they fall. Either one can help.
Be wary around motor vehicles
Many stuck-between accidents happen when workers are pinned between motor vehicles. Workers who are on foot need to be very careful, especially around heavy machinery like cranes or excavators. But even modern pickup trucks are significantly dangerous, with their large blind spots.
Wear hard hats
Finally, struck-by accidents often happen when objects are dropped from above – tools, materials, etc. A worker who has a hard hat may still suffer an injury, like a concussion, but has a far lower chance of being fatally injured.
Those who have been hurt on the job, along with those who have lost a loved one, need to know what legal steps to take.
