Construction accidents can happen without warning and at any time. It is essential to be aware of the typical construction accidents that you may encounter to help prevent them from happening or mitigate their consequences if they occur. This blog post will discuss common construction accidents and offer ways to avoid them:
What to do After an Accident
If you are involved in a construction accident, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and receive the medical attention you need. After an accident, make sure to:
- Call for help if anyone is injured.
- Notify your supervisor or project manager.
- Preserve the scene of the accident.
- Collect witness names and contact information.
- Take photos of the accident scene before you begin cleanup.
Suppose you are involved in an accident and have severe injuries requiring further medical management, or you do not have insurance, and your policy is not enough. In that case, the San Mateo construction accident lawyers suggest that it is best to contact a professional for legal assistance. Experienced attorneys can help you get the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to your accident.
Slip and Falls
Slip and falls are some of the most common construction accidents. They can happen at any time, but they often occur due to wet floors or loose surfaces such as gravel that may be present around heavy equipment. Employees should always watch for hazards like this, so they do not step into one unaware.
In addition, employees should always wear the appropriate safety gear when on a construction site. This includes boots with good traction and hard hats to protect from falling objects. If you are working in a wet or icy area, be sure to use caution and take extra steps to avoid slipping.
Electrocution
Electrocution is a severe concern for those working on construction sites. It can often be caused by employees accidentally stepping into open electrical boxes and coming into contact with exposed wiring. For this reason, it is essential to always keep an eye out for these kinds of hazards. Construction site managers should also ensure that all open electrical boxes have a warning sign in place.
If you do come into contact with a power line, it is essential to remember the following:
- Do not touch the person who has been shocked
- Do not try to move them yourself
- Call 911 immediately and provide as much information as possible about the incident
- If possible, shut off the power source
Back Injuries, Sprains, Strain, and Fractures
Lifting, bending, pulling, or pushing are the most common ways employees on construction sites injure themselves. Heavy objects can lead to various problems such as sprains, strains, and fractures if you don’t lift them appropriately. For this reason, it is always important to use the proper equipment when moving any materials around your work site.
Employees should keep their backs straight and bend at the knees instead of the waist to avoid injury when lifting heavy objects. If you must carry something for a long-distance, be sure to stop periodically and take short breaks to rest your arms and back.
Construction accidents can happen in a variety of ways. By following the safety tips mentioned, you can help reduce your chances of being injured on the job. If you are injured, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and receive the medical attention you need. After an accident, make sure to contact a personal injury lawyer for legal assistance.
