Construction sites are dangerous places for workers. However, big cities need to renovate old buildings and create new spaces for the citizens; The construction industry has been developing new technologies and methods to enhance safety in construction sites.
People can minimize accidents but get rid of all of them. Unfortunately, mistakes are characteristic of the human race, and accidents arise from people’s mistakes. Slip and fall accidents on a construction site are common, and people can sustain serious injuries.
Depending on the height, a person can die if they slip or trip and fall from a high platform or a scaffold. The prime contractor provides a safe environment at the construction site, and all workers must follow the safety guidelines.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents on Construction Sites
A leading cause of a slip and fall accident on a construction site is wet or slippery surfaces. Construction projects are not protected from the elements. Rain and snow can affect the ground of the construction site, provoking these types of accidents.
Some construction projects may still be working in wintertime, which hits New York City from December to March. However, they must comply with strategies to maintain a safe environment.
All the crews working in a construction site must be organized and not let tools spread out over the ground; those objects may provoke people walking to another location to trip and fall. A supervisor must check all the facilities and ensure they follow safety guidelines.
Construction Site Safety Regulations and Compliance
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes and enforces safety and health standards in various workplaces, including construction sites.
OSHA’s regulations aim to protect workers from hazards and maintain safe working conditions.
OSHA’s General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause severe harm or death to employees. Also, employers must provide fall protection systems, such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems, for workers exposed to fall hazards at six feet or more.
For scaffolding and ladders, there are specific regulations. These regulations cover proper construction, inspection, and use of scaffolds and ladders to prevent falls and accidents.
All personnel must wear appropriate personal protective equipment on construction sites, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and protective footwear. Failing to use them contributes to accidents.
Types of Injuries in Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents
As a result of a slip and fall accident, a person can sustain from minor to severe injuries. It will depend on the position of how they land or the object they hit. If someone falls over their thighs, the impact can affect their lower back, causing a spinal cord injury.
The person might feel a slight pain that they may think is not a big deal, but that can develop into a significant injury if it is not treated correctly. Broken bones and fractures are joints in an accident of slip, trip, and fall.
There have been incidents in which an unbalanced surface makes a person trip and hit their head with a wall or a hard object, causing a concussion that may lead to a traumatic brain injury.
TBI is a severe injury that can lead to a permanent disability, and a person with this injury must seek medical attention to discard lousy news.
Establishing Liability in Construction Site Slip and Fall Cases
In construction site slip and fall cases, establishing liability is crucial for determining who is responsible for the accident and any resulting injuries. While the main contractor is responsible for ensuring safety conditions at the construction site, it is essential to note that liability can extend to various parties involved.
The main contractor is vital in maintaining safe conditions at the construction site. They are primarily responsible for implementing and enforcing comprehensive safety guidelines to prevent accidents. These guidelines should cover a wide range of potential hazards and include measures to mitigate the risks associated with slips and falls.
To ensure adherence to safety regulations, the main contractor should appoint multiple supervisors, particularly for larger projects. These supervisors oversee different aspects of the construction site, closely monitoring the work of employees and subcontractors. Their presence and vigilance help ensure that safety guidelines are followed and that any deviations or potential risks are promptly addressed.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that slip and fall accidents can occur due to the negligence of individual workers. Despite the safety guidelines, workers may fail to comply with regulations, jeopardizing their safety and that of their colleagues. In such cases, the negligent worker can be held accountable for their actions and may face legal consequences for disregarding safety protocols.
Furthermore, liability may extend to external contractors contributing to the construction project. If an external contractor makes a mistake or deliberately engages in actions that endanger others, they can be held responsible for any resulting slip and fall accidents.
Workers’ Compensation for Construction Site Slip and Fall Injuries
Regarding construction site slip and fall injuries, workers’ compensation is an essential safety net for injured workers.
In an accident resulting in injuries, construction workers have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim with the insurance company they are covered under.
One of the primary purposes of this insurance policy is to ensure that all workers are protected and can receive compensation without risking their employment status. It provides financial support to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs incurred due to the injury.
However, in cases where the injuries sustained are severe, such as severe spinal cord injuries, broken bones, loss of limb, or severe traumatic brain injuries, the coverage provided by workers’ compensation may not fully address all the associated costs.
This can burden the injured worker with significant financial obligations related to their treatment and recovery.
After reporting the accident to the appropriate authorities, the injured construction worker should promptly file a workers’ compensation claim. This step ensures that they receive the initial coverage entitled to them.
However, if there is a substantial difference between the amount received from workers’ compensation and the expenses incurred, the injured worker may need additional legal assistance.
In such cases, consulting with a construction site slip and fall accident attorney may be beneficial. These specialized attorneys can help injured workers determine the potential parties that can be held liable for the accident.
By thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, the attorney can identify if there are grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. This legal action seeks additional compensation beyond what is provided by workers’ compensation.
Engaging the services of a construction site slip and a fall accident attorney can be instrumental in securing fair compensation for the injured worker.
Through a personal injury lawsuit, additional damages can be pursued to cover medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Construction Site Slip and Fall Prevention
Construction site slip and fall prevention are paramount to ensure the safety and well-being of workers in the construction industry. Implementing comprehensive safety protocols and practices is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with slips and falls.
These measures protect workers from injuries and contribute to maintaining productivity and avoiding project delays.
One of the critical aspects of construction site slip and fall prevention is establishing and enforcing proper safety protocols and practices. This involves developing comprehensive guidelines that address potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces, slippery areas, and unsecured edges.
By clearly communicating and enforcing these protocols, workers are made aware of the necessary precautions to take, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Regular safety meetings and training sessions should also be conducted to educate workers about the importance of slip and fall prevention and provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement safe practices.
Proper training and the provision of appropriate equipment are vital in preventing slip and fall accidents on construction sites. Workers should receive thorough training on identifying and addressing potential hazards, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work practices.
This training should be ongoing to keep workers updated on the latest safety measures. Additionally, supplying workers with high-quality safety gear, such as slip-resistant footwear, harnesses, and guardrails, enhances their ability to prevent accidents and protect themselves from falls.
Employers should prioritize providing workers with the necessary tools and equipment to create a safe working environment.
Regular inspection and maintenance of construction site conditions are crucial to identify and rectify potential hazards that could lead to slip and fall accidents. Checks should be conducted by qualified personnel knowledgeable about safety requirements and potential risks.
They should assess the condition of walkways, scaffolding, staircases, and other areas prone to slips and falls. Any hazards identified during inspections should be promptly addressed through repairs, cleaning, or implementing additional safety measures.
By conducting regular inspections and maintenance, employers can ensure the construction site remains safe, minimizing the risks associated with slips and falls.
Seeking Legal Representation for Slip and Fall Injury on Construction Site
The Ward Law Group is proud to count on over a decade of successfully providing legal services to those needing fair compensation after a personal injury sustained on construction sites. Our construction site slip-and-fall lawsuit attorneys have the skills to build forceful arguments to win millionaire settlements.
We believe in justice, and as part of the Hispanic community, we understand people with language barriers dealing with injuries and facing uncertain procedures. The Ward Law Group commits to servicing the community with high-level representation.
Contact us now if you or a loved one has been suffering from a slip and fall accident at a construction site at 855-DOLOR-55, or write us a message online through this website. Let us help you.