4 common causes of construction site accidents

Anyone in Louisiana who works in construction already knows that the industry can be dangerous. For many construction workers, the four most common causes of construction site accidents will not come as a surprise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified the top four dangers to be from falling, being struck by something, being caught in or between objects, and being electrocuted.

OSHA has set out certain guidelines for safety to which construction companies are supposed to adhere in order to protect workers from injury. Most Louisiana companies follow these guidelines, but that is only half of the equation. There are also steps that workers can take to protect themselves.

When working above ground, workers can help prevent falls by using the appropriate safety gear and watching where they step. Being cognizant of their surroundings is also crucial in avoiding being struck by a piece of construction equipment or another worker. Some employees are required to work in trenches, and, once again, safety equipment is imperative in order to keep from getting hurt.

Working with or around electricity requires diligence as well. Prior to working a site, utility lines are supposed to be identified. Knowing where power lines are while working can help workers to avoid hitting them with equipment or coming into contact with them while moving around the site. Power tools often used in construction need to be insulated and grounded.

Unfortunately, even if employers and employees do everything right, construction site accidents can still occur. If a construction worker is injured while on the job, workers’ compensation benefits are available to help with medical costs and lost wages, among other economic and non-economic losses stemming from the accident. Understanding the benefits that are available and how to obtain them can be frustrating and complicated, so enlisting some assistance may be beneficial and provide a victim with the freedom to concentrate on recovering.

Source: osha.gov, “Top Four Construction Hazards”, Accessed on June 19, 2015