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The construction industry is one of the most dangerous places to work because there are so many accidents that result in injuries to construction workers. If you are aware of some of the most common ways that people get hurt on the job site, you might be able to avoid getting injured.
Here is a brief overview of the top 4 construction accident injuries that you need to know if you work in the construction industry. A California personal injury attorney can help you seek money damages if you got hurt or a close relative died because of a construction accident.
The “Fatal Four”
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) of the U. S. Department of Labor tracks workplace injuries. OSHA says that the four top accidents that cause fatal injuries in the construction field also called the “Fatal Four,” are falls and getting electrocuted, being hit by an object, or getting caught in or between objects.
How to Prevent Falls
Construction projects often involve working from a height, whether on a roof, scaffolding, or an unfinished floor of a building under construction. OSHA offers these tips to prevent falling accidents:
- When working at a height, always use personal fall protection equipment.
- When using a ladder or scaffold, follow the safety protocols for that type of equipment.
- When there is a floor opening, secure covering should get attached to prevent falls. The floor opening covers should have highly visible labels.
- When appropriate, install perimeter fall protection.
Your situation might require additional safety measures.
Preventing Struck-By Injuries
You should always wear highly visible clothing like reflective safety vests when working near vehicles and other equipment. Do not position yourself between fixed objects and moving equipment. Also, staying alert on the job site can give you the opportunity to take evasive maneuvers to avoid getting hit by an object.
How to Avoid Getting Electrocuted
Before you start working on the construction site, make sure that you know where all the utilities are located. You will want to maintain a safe distance from power lines. Extra caution is advisable when working from a height on a scaffold or ladder. In that situation, a non-life-threatening electrical jolt could cause a fatal fall.
Before operating any equipment, locate all overhead power lines. You will want to plug your portable power tools into ground-fault circuit interrupters and only use grounded or double insulated power tools. Be particularly wary of power lines, outlets, and electrical devices when working in a wet environment like a construction site after rainfall.
How Not to Get Caught In or Between Objects
Getting trapped in trenches can cause devastating injuries from crushing. If a trench or excavation on the job site is 5 feet deep or more, no one should enter the trench without having an adequate protective system. Depending on the unique facts of the situation, the trench will likely need a protection system that involves benching, sloping, shoring, or a trench shield. Cave-ins are common with unprotected excavation, which is why you do not want to enter an unprotected trench.
You should talk to a California personal injury attorney about your legal options if you got injured in a construction accident. Get in touch with our office today for legal assistance, we offer a free consultation.
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