On average, construction accidents occur as a consequence of recklessness and neglecting to follow safety practices. Therefore, they could be prevented. Injuries sustained through construction accidents could force victims into unemployment, causing huge medical expenses and endure suffering and pain for many months. Sometimes, they may even sustain permanent, debilitating injuries. Whenever a construction accident has been caused because of the carelessness of the contractor, subcontractor or their employees, the contractor or the subcontractor are prone to pay compensation to the victim. We spoke with Paul Hefferon of www.hefferonlaw.com to learn more.
Injuries sustained in constructions accidents can vary greatly. However, the reasons are usually the same. They include slipping, falling, the collapse of trenches or scaffolding and electrocution. Workers also sustain serious injuries when hit by falling objects.
Irrespective of the reason behind the building accident, it is necessary that you gather as many witnesses as possible. If possible, it is crucial to get other workers’ statements written down. Organizing pictures would also assist a great deal. Therefore, collect all the photographs that you can.
However, you have to take a great deal of aspects into consideration when taking photos, especially the safety guidelines to be followed. Sometimes, time may be a crucial factor which could work to your benefit. In these instances, capture pictures in your cellular phone or camera that can provide a time stamp.
Scaffoldings needs to have guardrails and should be at least 10 feet from any nearby power line as a precaution safeguard. Further, a raised platform or floor should have toe boards placed around them.
Another aspect being taken care of is fall protection. Systems for avoiding falls ought to be put in place in order to avoid the occurrence of injuries. If the scaffolding is a bit more than 6 feet higher than the ground level, the company should be sure that the floors at that height are free from holes and debris.
Construction companies are bound to providing protective gear to workers free of cost to make certain worker remains safe on the job site. Further, training ought to be presented to all workers closely in relation to the hazards connected with specific jobs. Additionally, the info ought to be effectively communicated to workers who lack fluency in English language.
If construction companies usually do not follow some of the above mentioned guidelines, employees are at liberty to report the violations. Same is the situation in which a trench has collapsed. The slope requirements are specified judging by the type of soil with the work place. A violation in the slope guideline can put workers’ lives in danger making construction companies liable for providing compensation in case a trench collapse occurs. The walls of a trench are also required to have a certain slope in order to ensure the protection of workers.
There are many accidents at construction sites that are also a result of heavy equipment. Sometimes, an accident attorney may bee needed to asses what may occur because machines are operated by workers that are not certified to function them. Heavy equipment used at construction sites includes forklifts, cranes, etc. In the case of accidents due to heavy equipment, try and validate the credentials with the operator from the equipment. The reason being is that both the operator and the company are prone to provide compensation.
There are many accidents at construction sites that are also a result of heavy equipment. Sometimes, an accident may occur because machines are operated by workers that are not certified to function them. Heavy equipment used at construction sites includes forklifts, cranes, etc. In the case of accidents due to heavy equipment, try and validate the credentials with the operator from the equipment. The reason being is that both the operator and the company are prone to provide compensation. Learn more by visiting hefferonlaw.com
