Tips to Prevent Construction Work Zone Accidents
By: esmith | Posted: 26th January 2011
Construction work zone accidents are an unfortunate circumstance that both employers and employees should strive to avoid. Ideally, the utmost precautions should be in place around the clock to ensure workers’ safe conditions and avoid injury. In order to alleviate the possibility of on-site accidents and protect employees and the public from harm, there are pointers that all construction companies should follow.
Adequate Training
Construction firms should choose to make use of ongoing safety training programs for their employees. They should also emphasize the importance of safety procedures and training for new employees. A work environment must be organized properly and free of any potential hazards. Machines and vehicles utilized by employees need to be serviced regularly to maintain adequate performance. Superiors should also encourage their employees to remain focused and plan ahead with the best foresight possible. Any time-saving ideas should not compromise safety in any way.
Electrical Protection
It’s important to use adequate precautions with electrical equipment since so many construction-related accidents are due to electrocution. Safety equipment should be worn by employees at all times, especially during the handling of wires. This may include hard hats, rubber gloves and rubber boots. All wirings, outlets and extensions should be properly inspected before work begins. Electrical lines must be assumed to be in operation unless shown otherwise.
Ladder Safety
Ladders need to be inspected daily to prevent accidents. They should always be in the finest working order. Rubber feet and safety spreaders must be in prime condition. Inspect rungs for grease, oil or other materials that may lead to slippage. Minimize puddles of water during work to prevent slippage while on foot. All employees should wear slip-resistant footwear to prevent accidents while using ladders. Other forms of footwear, such as conductive shoes to prevent shocks, or steel-toe boots to prevent sprains, can help prevent other injuries.
Road Precautions
Road construction accidents are another hazard that demands attention. Injuries can happen as a result of defective paving, which can cause drivers to skid out of control and cause harm to themselves as well as workers. Improper signage can also lead to serious accidents and it is crucial that all road markings are clearly visible and easy to read. Contractors must also be sure that all highway projects meet the strict guidelines laid out for them, as failure to do so is known as a construction defect.
Legal Action
If a constructions accident does occur, retaining a qualified New Hampshire construction accident lawyer to secure adequate legal advice is prudent to seek compensation as well as mandate compliance with safety standards. After one has hired a reputable legal firm, their staff will inspect the site of the accident and complete an investigation. A case should be set in motion as soon as possible, either by negotiating a settlement or starting litigation. Oftentimes, a contractor or owner may be held responsible for a construction accident in which an employee falls from a height, even if the employee acted negligently. Construction workers are entitled to worker’s compensation following an injury, though this amount may not be enough to cover the most serious injuries.
A New Hampshire wrongful termination law firm that specializes in wrongful termination can handle any cases in which a construction worker has been fired for illegal reasons. This type of termination may be related to the possibility of discrimination or sexual harassment. The firing may also be in violation of labor or collective bargaining laws. In such a case, the worker should carefully review their employment contract to see what the terms are. He or she should also request a severance package if dismissal does indeed take place. An employee rights lawyer may also be contacted for further advice on how to handle the situation.
In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain a New Hampshire cardiology malpractice law firm if a construction employee or victim of a construction accident does not receive proper medical care for their resulting cardiac symptoms. In this case, a doctor may not adequately recognize an urgent heart problem in the emergency room. The physician may also fail to read EKG or stress test results correctly. A law firm usually must prove how a difference in timing would have made a notable difference in one’s health condition. Malpractice lawyers may meet with a client while they are hospitalized in order to begin the process of litigation.
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Tags: rubber boots, slippage, rubber gloves, rubber feet, hard hats, construction firms, safety procedures, prime condition, steel toe boots