If you work in construction in Maryland or any other American state, it is important for you to understand the risks associated with your chosen industry. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), falls are the leading cause of death for workers employed in the construction industry. Even when falls do not result in death, they can still cause significant and sometimes debilitating injuries as can other aspects of the industry.
Examples of the injuries construction workers can suffer include those from falling objects, power tool injuries, burns, explosions or fires, equipment accidents and many others. The good news is that these injuries and deaths are entirely preventable for the most part. OSHA recommends supervisors take a three-pronged approach to safety and accident prevention: Planning, providing and training.
Planning involves thinking ahead to decide how the work will commence. It also involves making sure the job site is equipped with the proper tools and safety equipment. This is especially important when members of the construction team will be working from dangerous heights.
Make certain to provide workers with the proper equipment for the job requirements such as ladders and scaffolding of the right type. When working at heights of six feet or higher, workers are at increased risk for injury and the right equipment can make all the difference.
Finally, training is paramount to construction accident prevention. Safety training as well as equipment and tool training is an important part of accident prevention. Companies with the best safety records also incorporate hazard training and additional elements to their safety programs.
If an accident does happen and you or someone you love suffers severe injuries, there are legal options at your disposal. Please browse our sections on work injuries or falls in construction to see if you have a solid case.