Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. Over a thousand construction workers are killed in workplace accidents every year, and thousands more suffer serious injuries. The vast majority of construction accidents are avoidable, having resulted from at least one person acting negligently along the way. Keep reading for tips on preventing serious construction accidents. If you were injured on a construction site in New York, call a seasoned Bronx construction accident lawyer for advice and assistance.
Wear Proper PPE, and Know How to Use It
Personal protective equipment (PPE) saves limbs and lives. Any worksite should come with enough PPE for any worker to perform their tasks safely, and supervisors should enforce the use of proper PPE at all times. Depending upon your specific job, PPE may include a hard hat or helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, mask, back braces, vests, and other gear. Make sure fire extinguishers and first aid kits are stored near the work area in a dry, accessible location. If you’re working in an elevated area, wear a safety harness as appropriate.
Keep Equipment in Good Repair
Old, rusted, or poorly-maintained equipment is as bad, if not worse, as having the wrong tool entirely for the job. A broken ladder is more likely to injure or kill a worker than having no ladder because a broken ladder gives the illusion of safety. Make sure all equipment is kept in good condition and, when equipment reaches the end of its utility, it should be replaced with new gear.
Identify Potential Hazards
Construction sites should be inspected before commencing work each day. Be on the lookout for loose debris, items that have become loosened or exposed overnight, and other hazards such as icy or wet surfaces. Be aware of likely inclement weather and take appropriate precautions, even if that means taking a day off of working at the site. Identifying possible hazards ahead of time and planning around them is immensely important in protecting worker lives.
Clean Work Areas
Keeping worksites neat and tidy can forestall many accidents. Workers are often injured by slipping or tripping on loose wires, tools, or equipment discarded in work areas; falling from a height or into a piece of heavy machinery can easily turn into a fatal accident. At the end of each task and each day, workers should take care to pick up all tools, materials, loose wires and other equipment in their workspace. Spills should be cleaned up, other wet areas dried (especially around electrical wires or equipment), and waste should be dealt with appropriately.
Limit Crowding
Crowded areas are much more likely to see an accident than areas that are populated only by necessary personnel. Keep bystanders away from large machinery, and clear off unneeded individuals away from hazardous tasks.
Regular Safety Training
Safety managers can be an invaluable tool in protecting construction workers. Safety managers can assess potential hazards, keep on top of OSHA regulations, and ensure that every worker is prepared generally and for their particular tasks. Work teams should hold periodic meetings to address any issues or concerns that have arisen and continually train new and current workers on safety protocols and safety standards. While new workers should certainly be trained on all items including safety measures, existing teams also benefit from ongoing safety training.
Call a Zealous Construction Accident Attorney
If you or someone you care about has been hurt on a construction site in New York, find out if you’re entitled to money damages for your injuries by contacting the passionate and trial-ready New York construction accident lawyers at the Bronx offices of the Kohn Law Firm for a free consultation at 718-409-1200.