When working on a construction site, you understand the importance of taking steps to protect yourself from an accident that could cause serious injury or even death.
And while you’re successful in doing so most the time, it only takes one mistake by yourself or a co-worker to put your safety at risk.
Knowledge of the most common causes of construction site accidents can help prevent trouble. Here’s what you need to know:
- Slip and fall: If you don’t watch where you’re walking, and even if you do, a slip-and-fall accident is possible. You could step in a ditch or hole, trip over a tool or get tangled up in some type of construction material. All of these things could lead you to fall to the ground.
- Fall from height: A slip-and-fall at height is more dangerous than one on the ground, as the impact will be much greater upon landing. Take special caution when working at height, such as on scaffolding or a roof.
- Objects falling from above: Even a small object, such as a screwdriver, can pick up enough momentum to cause serious injury. This is why it’s imperative to wear a safety helmet at all times when working on a construction site.
- Equipment accidents: Construction sites are full of many types of equipment. This includes but is not limited to hand tools, power tools, saws and vehicles. Don’t use a tool unless you’re trained to do so. And also, pay close attention to anyone using a tool or operating a vehicle in close proximity to you.
- Weather-related injuries: For example, working outdoors in Illinois during the winter months can result in frostbite and hypothermia among other conditions. And when the weather heats up, conditions such as heat stroke are a concern.
If you’re injured in any type of construction site accident, regardless of the circumstances or fault, don’t delay in seeking medical treatment.
Also, report the incident to your employer, as you want to protect your co-workers from a similar fate while also ensuring that they understand what went wrong.
Taking the right steps after a construction accident will put you on the path to recovery, while also positioning you to obtain workers’ compensation benefits.
