Working in the construction industry is dangerous on many fronts. Regardless of your profession or daily responsibilities, there’s always a possibility of a serious accident that results in a serious injury.
On the plus side, there are steps you can personally take to improve your safety and reduce the risk of an accident. This all starts with knowing why accidents happen, thus allowing you to prevent trouble:
- Falls from height: Construction workers often work at height, such as on a ladder, scaffolding or roof. Even if you’re only a few feet off the ground, a fall can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from a concussion to broken bones.
- Equipment mishaps: Construction sites are full of all types of equipment, ranging from power tools to bulldozers. Most types of equipment have the potential to cause injury, such as a sharp circular saw that can lacerate your skin, cut through tendons and even cut off fingers.
- Slip and fall: Navigating a construction site is often a challenge, as it always seems that there’s something in your way. A power cord, a pile of trash or a deep hole. All these things, among others, can cause you to slip and fall to the ground.
- Vehicle accident: As a construction worker, you may be responsible for operating some type of vehicle, such as a dump truck. And even if you’re not, you could still work closely to moving vehicles. Anytime vehicles are involved, there’s a risk of an accident.
- Inclement weather: Take great caution when working in inclement weather, such as strong winds or heavy rain. When conditions change, alter your approach to the worksite and your responsibilities. And if you don’t feel comfortable working in less than ideal weather, take a break until it improves.
Construction workers are always at risk of injury, but there are steps you can take to maintain your safety.
If you suffer an injury on a job site, take immediate action toward receiving medical treatment. And if possible, collect evidence that shows how you were injured. Doing these things positions you to take action against the negligent party as time and your health allows.